Is exercise good for your sperm?

Male factor, or sperm problem may be the cause of infertility in 50% of cases. How to improve sperm quality to boost male fertility is important for male fertility. We know that sperm production may be affected by testicular heat stress, oxidative stress, endocrine pathology, improper nutrition, drug side effects, or irradiation. Physical inactivity may be associated with reduced semen quality. It is important to be aware of the impact of sports on the quality of semen. Does exercise help to improve sperm quality?

Research result is still controversial. Some observation studies have suggested that the level of physical activity is not related to semen quality, but others have. This also depends on the intensity of the exercise level and time spent on the exercise.

Recent studies have reported evidence of decreased sperm concentrations in cyclists and mountain trekkers after periods of intense physical effort. Semen volume tends to increase after training. Furthermore, the sperm count tends to increase after 4 weeks of training (30 minutes per session three times a week for 1 month, at 40% or 80% of the participants maximum heart rate) but to decrease after 60 weeks of high (compared with moderate) intensity training (80% vs. 60% maximal oxygen uptake). The percentage of normal morphology spermatozoa and their motility may also be reduced in athletes undergoing intensive cycling training for 16 weeks running on a treadmill five times a week, for 120 minutes, at 60% to 80% of maximal oxygen uptake, for 60 weeks or trekking in the high mountains for 6 to 8 hours a day for 5 days.

Choosing the exercise level and intensity that suits your needs and helps the sperm quantity and quality is important.

References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675222/