Does stress affect semen quality?

This study looked at semen quality and stress in healthy men. It found that higher levels of life stress were associated with lower semen quality.

Up to half of the infertility cases involve male infertility. An important factor in male fertility is semen quality. Semen quality includes the concentration of sperm, how many sperm can move normally (motility), and how many sperm appear normal under a microscope (morphology). Psychological stress can cause changes in the body, including altering the levels of hormones such as cortisol and testosterone. It is important to determine the involvement of stress as a possible risk factor for lower semen quality.

This study used data from 193 men between 38 and 49 years old. The men were interviewed about their work and lifestyles and provided semen and blood samples. The men were surveyed on work stress. This included factors such as having enough time to complete their work and having control over their work, and whether they had job security. They were also given a survey on perceived life stress. They were also asked about stressful life events.

An increase in perceived life stress was associated with a decrease in semen quality (concentration, motility, and morphology). Having experienced two or more stressful life events in the past year was associated with a lower percentage of sperm motility. There was no association between one stressful life event and semen quality. Employed men had higher semen quality than unemployed men (concentration, motility, and morphology). There was a trend toward lower semen quality in men with higher work stress.

This study found that men with higher life stress had lower semen quality.

This study was not able to show how stress influences hormone levels, or in what way stress decreases semen quality. Also, this study was not able to examine the effects of stress earlier in life, such as during puberty. Further research is needed.