By Franklin Delgado
A new meta-scholarly analysis, published in Complaints of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, reveals that prolonged sexual abstinence in men can lead to increased oxidative stress and damage to sperm DNA. This phenomenon is associated with a decrease in sperm motility and viability.
Although the study shows deteriorations in sperm quality with prolonged storage, no strong evidence was found that this significantly affects fertilization rates or embryo quality in humans. Research indicates that the body can partially compensate for these damages.
In contrast to the findings in humans, animal studies associated with abstinence showed more direct and harmful effects on fertilization rate and embryo quality. This suggests that there could be long-term biological consequences.
“There are some reasons why negative effects on sperm do not necessarily translate into negative effects on fertility,” he stated. to Newsweek biologist and author of the paper, Krish Sanghvi, adding: “One possibility is that poor quality sperm simply die more quickly, so a sperm with greater DNA damage or lower motility, due to withdrawal, might not even be able to fertilize an egg because it dies before that.”
Abstinence time
The researchers emphasize that the study design affects the results. Longitudinal research on the same men revealed stronger negative effects compared to cross-sectional studies.
There is a recommendation to balance the abstinence time, since both very short and very long periods can affect sperm quality.
Tips for couples looking to conceive
For those trying to conceive, it is suggested that finding a middle ground in abstinence could optimize both sperm quantity and quality. Research suggests there is no single answer to the highest duration of abstinence, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.
On the other hand, couples can improve their chances of conceiving by strategically managing abstinence to optimize semen quality and synchronizing relationships with fertile days. This involves avoiding prolonged periods without ejaculation, which can reduce sperm motility, and adopting complementary healthy habits.
Withdrawal management
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 2-7 days of abstinence before conception attempts, but the best thing is to limit it to 2-5 days to maximize semen volume and quality in analyzes or treatments.
- After that short period, having intercourse every 1-3 days—especially during ovulation—stabilizes sperm quality and increases pregnancy rates.
- Long abstinence (more than 7 days) worsens sperm mobility, so alternating frequent ejaculations is key.
Identify fertile days
- Track ovulation with apps, ovulation tests or monitoring cervical mucus and basal temperature, focusing on relationships in the previous 5 days and the day of ovulation.
- Daily intercourse or every other day in this fertile window increases the chances, since the sperm survive up to 5 days.
healthy lifestyle
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, nuts), avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol and caffeine beyond 200 mg/day, and maintain BMI between 20-25 with moderate exercise.
- The man should minimize heat, such as saunas or tight clothing, to improve sperm production during withdrawal.
When to consult. If there is no success after 6-12 months (or sooner if there are risk factors), visit a specialist for a seminogram or other checkups.
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