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.

[oceanperch]

It is nice when are little bundles become adults and we can relax a little too huh? I love being a parent even more now.

[oceanperch]

I am not a male but I was under the impression that if men did not have sex that nocturnal emmissions would naturally take over like a natural cleansing.

[ladysusan]

I've read stories about how men found out too late that they had fathered a child, and they couldn't secure visitation rights, or even see their child.

Have you read about the horrors visited upon women by adoption? Do you know about the fallout in families that lose children? A lot does need to change, and, imo, it is up to the moral people of the world to do what they can to change it.

It has been a pleasure exchanging ideas with you.

[Skywalk]

I don't think adult men have those. Or, to put it bluntly, we probably don't allow that process to run its course via other forms of release than actual sex.