Study Finds Connection Between Semen Quality and Longevity in Men

A recent study has revealed a significant correlation between semen quality and lifespan in men, suggesting that those with better semen quality may enjoy longer lives. Conducted by researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital, this extensive analysis followed nearly 80,000 men over a span of up to 50 years, providing crucial insights into male reproductive health and longevity.

The research, published in the journal Human Reproduction, indicates that men with a higher count of motile sperm--defined as sperm that are capable of movement--tend to live two to three years longer than those with markedly lower counts. Specifically, men with a motile sperm count exceeding 120 million can expect to live significantly longer than those with counts between 0 and 5 million.

Led by Dr. Lærke Priskorn and Dr. Niels Jørgensen, the study analyzed semen samples from 78,284 men who underwent assessments for infertility at a public laboratory in Copenhagen between 1965 and 2015. This diverse cohort included men with varying degrees of semen quality, from healthy samples to those with no viable sperm.

The evaluation included several parameters such as semen volume, sperm concentration, and the percentage of motile and normally shaped sperm. Throughout the follow-up period, the researchers utilized unique Danish national registers to track mortality rates within this group. Out of the participants, 8,600 deaths were recorded, accounting for approximately 11% of the sample.

For a subset of 59,657 men who provided samples from 1987 to 2015, additional data regarding educational levels and prior medical conditions was available, allowing researchers to refine their analyses. Dr. Priskorn emphasized that prior studies had hinted at a relationship between lower semen quality and increased mortality rates, motivating their investigation into this hypothesis.

Upon calculating life expectancy based on semen quality, the researchers found a clear trend: men with higher semen quality tended to have longer life expectancies, a phenomenon not significantly influenced by previous health conditions or educational background. This suggests that poor semen quality may be indicative of broader health issues that can affect both fertility and overall well-being.

Dr. Jørgensen pointed out the potential for fertility evaluations to serve as an early warning system for identifying men at risk of future health problems. He noted that while the study did not delve into specific causes of death, future research could explore how poor semen quality relates to specific diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular issues.

The study's large scale is a notable strength, although it does have some limitations, including a lack of detailed information on health behaviors and the inability to differentiate between men with no motile sperm due to obstructions versus those with other underlying issues.

In an accompanying commentary, Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken highlighted the complexity of the factors influencing the link between semen quality and longevity. He discussed various potential mediators of this relationship, including genetic factors, immune system issues, and lifestyle influences that may contribute to oxidative stress--a condition that could be detrimental to both sperm quality and overall health.

This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for understanding male reproductive health and its implications for longevity, suggesting that monitoring semen quality could play a critical role in identifying health risks early in life.