The link between emotional stress and male fertility has been a somewhat neglected area in fertility discussions, where focus often falls on the female partner. However, recent research has provided clear evidence that stress can seriously affect sperm quality and fertility in males. At Zijn Health, we believe it is crucial to bring these findings to light.
The Stress Effect on Male Fertility
Research shows that stress might be harmful to testicular function. Stress means higher levels of cortisol, which interfere with the production of hormones that help create healthy sperm.
For instance, Ilacqua et al. (2018) write that the perceived stress that comes from donating a semen sample is reported to lower sperm health considerably (39% decrease in sperm concentration and 48% decrease in motility).
Another interesting, but small, study tracks sperm health of male students in medical school (Lampiao, 2009). It was found that the sperm health of the students was much lower during exam periods than at the beginning of the semester.
The research shows that different kinds of stress can impact sperm health. Stress doesn't just impact sperm health. Stress can also lower libido, cause erectile dysfunction and premature (or delayed) ejaculation.
What should you do?
These findings are a breakthrough, establishing the poorly understood relationship between stress and male fertility. They emphasize the crucial role psychological health plays when it comes to conception.
At Zijn Health, we understand the pressures and emotional upheavals couples undergo during their journey towards parenthood. That’s why, we have designed our preventive health app keeping in mind your holistic health.
Taking into account this research, we recommend men pay attention to their mental health, seeking assistance where necessary to manage stress levels. In addition, we strongly suggest incorporating lifestyle changes, healthy dieting and regular physical activity into their routines, which our app can help guide.
How Zijn Health can help?
In the grand scheme of things, you're not just aiming for a successful conception; you're paving the way for starting a new life, and that journey should be as joyful and stress-free as possible. Don't let stress win; join Zijn Health today to improve your chances of parenthood tomorrow.
Remember, you're not alone in your journey. Let's walk this path together. Health is within reach with Zijn.
Zijn Health is the world's first platform for preventive male health with a focus on fertility. Using Zijn Health, men can reduce the time to pregnancy, reduce the chance of miscarriages and have healthier babies.Learn more about the effects of the effects of mental wellbeing on male fertility and how you can improve your fertility at: zijnhealth.com
References
Basu, S.C. (2014). Psychological Stress and Male Infertility. In: du Plessis, S., Agarwal, A., Sabanegh, Jr., E. (eds) Male Infertility. Springer, New York, NY.
Collodela, Giulia et al. "Effect of emotional stress on sperm quality." Indian Journal of Medical Research, vol. 128, no. 3, Sept. 2008, pp. 254-261.
Ilacqua, A., Izzo, G., Emerenziani, G.P. _et al._ Lifestyle and fertility: the influence of stress and quality of life on male fertility. _Reprod Biol Endocrinol_ **16**, 115 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-018-0436-9
Lampiao, Fanuel. "Variation of semen parameters in healthy medical students due to exam stress." _Malawi Medical Journal_ 21.4 (2009).
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