Men with occupations related to heavy lifting have higher sperm count and sperm concentration than others, according to a new study.
- Men who carry heavy loads at work are said to have more sperm.
- They would also have a better concentration of sperm.
- These discoveries were made in the context of declining sperm quality.
According to a new study, published in the journal Human Reproductionsome professions could improve the quality of sperm and sperm: professions where men carry heavy loads.
More sperm in men who carry loads at work
In detail, the researchers found that men who lifted or moved heavy objects at work had a 46% higher sperm concentration and a 44% higher total sperm count compared to those who had less physical jobs. They also had higher levels of testosterone, a male sex hormone, and estrogen, a female hormone that is also present in men.
“We already know that exercise [physique] is associated with multiple health benefits in men, including those seen on reproductive health, but few studies have analyzed how occupational factors may contribute to these benefits, explains Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, one of the authors. Physical activity during labor may also be associated with improved reproductive potential in men.“
A drop in sperm count for several years
In France, many couples have infertility problems. According to Inserm, approximately one in eight couples consults a health professional for difficulties in conceiving a child. In three quarters of cases, infertility is of male or female origin, or it associates both sexes. A study, also published in the journal Human Reproductionshowed that between 1989 and 2005, the decrease in sperm quality had been significant and continuous: in a 35-year-old man, in 17 years, the number of spermatozoa fell from 73.6 million per milliliter to 49.9 million/ml on average.
“Reproductive health is important on its own, but there is growing evidence that male infertility is linked to broader public health issues, including the most common chronic diseases, says Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón. Finding concrete steps to improve fertility benefits all of us, not just couples trying to conceive. There is growing evidence that male infertility is associated with common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and autoimmune.”
