Abstinence 'makes men less fertile'

The Telegraph (U.K.) ^ | 06/30/03 | David Derbyshire

[Pokey78]

The old wives' tale that men should abstain from sex before trying for a baby may actually make them less fertile, scientists say.

A study has shown that while the quantity increases after a few days without sex, the quality of sperm can dramatically fall.

Men with low sperm counts - and who may be struggling to conceive a baby - are most at risk, the research found.

Researchers at Soroka University and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel, tested sperm samples from 6,000 men who had abstained from sex for up to two weeks.

The team looked at the volume and concentration of semen, and the shape and the proportion of healthy sperm.

While volume increased after 11 to 14 days of abstinence, the shape and form of the sperm from some men deteriorated over time.

In samples from men with reduced sperm counts, the proportion of healthy moving sperm fell significantly after just two days' abstinence.

Dr Eliahu Levitas, who presents his findings today at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in Madrid, said: "Semen volume was directly and significantly correlated with duration of abstinence."

However, the activity of sperm fell for men with low sperm counts, he added.

[PayrollOffice]

But seroiusly, not to make fun of the "misfortune" of others, I have noticed that general health increases fertlity, which is only natural. Men with low sperm counts should do hard labor or work out. Or adopt.

Adoption lessens the pressure on marriage. Soon after, many couples conceive on their own, when they both decide to give of themselves to a permanent family.

[Bluntpoint]

I married a fetile Myrtle. I sneeze on my wife and she is pregnant.

[Bluntpoint]

"Mother Nature favors those whom she thinks she can count on to reproduce."

So does Toys R Us.

[Hebrews 11:6]

This seems so sensible. Abstinence results in older sperm being ejaculated, which are less vital. Frequent sex introduces newer, more vital sperm.

[PayrollOffice]

Well, may God bless you both! My meaning is that if you can't conceve easily, why bother? Forced conceptions may produce weak children, is my guess.

[PayrollOffice]

Well, don't sneeze on her!

PS goodnight all. I'll be back in the afternoon.

[finnman69]

"But honey, think of Ronald reagan and deterrence, USE IT or LOSE It!!

[PayrollOffice]

No, it's not sensible. The body kills old sperm and puts out the new stuff ASAP, to do the deed. The body is not stupid.

[SeeRushToldU_So]

Use it or lose it? Is that the question? I didn't bother to read the article, it is way past my bedtime.

Maybe later honey, I have a headache :)

[eddie willers]

"Semen volume was directly and significantly correlated with duration of abstinence."

Peter North begs to differ.

[joesnuffy]

this sounds waaaay too much like Cliff from Cheers theory on brain cells and the buffalo...

[jackbill]

Let's see. I had sex with my ex-wife about four times. I have four sons. Does that disprove the hypothesis?

[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

Perhaps it's the old "feast or famine" kind of thing - if your body isn't using the old stuff, it rebels and doesn't make anything new? lol..........what a crazy article.......

[annyokie]

I thought it was "we drink out of the same cup....."

[Richard Kimball]

I sneeze on my wife and she is pregnant.

That line suggests a really impressive visual image. I have one of my usual smart*ssed one liners ready, but I've been trying to be a little more restrained since that time I called the Admin Moderator a dickweed.

[ladysusan]

But seroiusly, not to make fun of the "misfortune" of others, I have noticed that general health increases fertlity, which is only natural. Men with low sperm counts should do hard labor or work out. Or adopt. Adoption lessens the pressure on marriage. Soon after, many couples conceive on their own, when they both decide to give of themselves to a permanent family.

I can't even pretend to know where to begin to address the basis of your post, except to say that it proves the point of this article exactly: Click here To even suggest using another family's child to bolster one's own flagging fertility is beyond belief. To talk about the commodification of children in this way is bad enough. But to attempt to wrap it in the mantle of selflessness is way beyond the pale. Speaking of "permanent" families, have you seen THIS? Talk about the misfortunes of others! There are plenty of reasons adoptions fail.. Among the most frequently encountered is adoptions done for the wrong reasons, one of which is to save a marriage by somehow magically enhancing fertility. One of the biggest enemies of successful adoption is the persistence of mythological thinking on the part of those outside adoption. Adoption is not a cure all, it is not a process that erases infertility, nor is it a Disneyesque scenario complete with sunny curtains, a lacy bassinette and trilling birds. Adoption is a long row to hoe and woe to anyone who enters into it lightly or with an ulterior motive. Surely defenseless children deserve better than to be considered - and used as - a cure for infertility. Talk about mythological thinking.

[TheSpottedOwl]

Happy Anniversary!

[ladysusan]

I thought it was "we drink out of the same cup....."

Nope. It's sitting in the 'wrong' chair.

[Dan from Michigan]

Note to self...remember this study...