In a recent study published last week in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the sperm of athletic men were compared to that of men who are sedentary couch loving television watchers. We already know that an active lifestyle is beneficial for health and according to this study there is a distinct connection between exercise, which increases testosterone production, and increased sperm production. Additionally, the authors noted that sitting on the couch for prolonged periods of time may also be keeping the man's testicles at a temperature higher then optimum for sperm production.
Article: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/01/21/bjsports-2012-091644
Previous research had shown that men who engaged in physical activity in the form of cycling and long distance running had lower sperm counts. The authors of this current study postulate that this is likely due to the confined nature of the testicles during these activities. Their research shows that exercise in excess of fifteen hours per week still had a positive effect in increasing sperm production. In fact, sperm concentration and total sperm count were directly related to physical activity. However, sperm motility and morphology did not show a significant difference in the two groups.
To increase motility and morphology men should look at dietary modification, supplements such as L-carnitine and L-arginine as well as acupuncture and Chinese medicine. To increase overall sperm production the message is clear, get off the couch and get to the gym!
By: Dr. Harris Fisher (Dr.TCM)
