Physical activity and semen quality among men attending an infertility clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between regular physical activity and semen quality.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Couples attending one of three IVF clinics in the greater Boston area during 1993-2003. At study entry, male participants completed a questionnaire about their general health, medical history, and physical activity. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using generalized estimating equations models, accounting for potential confounders and multiple samples per man.


METHODS
A total of 2,261 men contributing 4,565 fresh semen samples were enrolled before undergoing their first IVF cycles.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and total motile sperm (TMS).


RESULTS
Overall, none of the semen parameters were materially associated with regular exercise. Compared with no regular exercise, bicycling ≥ 5 h/wk was associated with low sperm concentration (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.03-3.56) and low TMS (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.19-3.56). These associations did not vary appreciably by age, body mass index, or history of male factor infertility.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the present study suggests no overall association between regular physical activity and semen quality, bicycling ≥ 5 h/wk was associated with lower sperm concentration and TMS.
Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. lwise@bu.edu
Lauren A
LA
Wise
Daniel W
DW
Cramer
Mark D
MD
Hornstein
Rachel K
RK
Ashby
Stacey A
SA
Missmer
D000328:Adult; D001642:Bicycling; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires