Media release

From: The University of Newcastle

Better semen quality is linked to men living longer

New research reveals men’s semen quality is associated with how long they live, according to a study of nearly 80,000 men.

The Denmark-based study followed the men for up to 50 years and found that those with a total number of motile sperm (sperm that can move or ‘swim’) of more than 120 million could expect to live two to three years longer than men with a total motile sperm count of between 0 and 5 million.

Led by researchers from the Department of Growth and Reproduction at Copenhagen University Hospital, the study was published today in Human Reproduction – one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals.

University of Newcastle Distinguished Emeritus Professor John Aitken, who is a global authority on reproductive biology, published an accompanying editorial in the same journal today.

Professor Aitken described the study as a “landmark” publication.

“This is the largest study to examine the link between semen quality and mortality,” Professor Aitken said.

“It looks at how a man’s longevity is predicted by his sperm count. The bigger the sperm count, the longer you will live.”

“If your sperm count is over 100 million for example, you may get another two or three years of life expectancy than someone with a sperm count of 5 million.

In his published commentary, Professor Aitken delved into scenarios that could contribute to the link between poor semen quality and shorter life span.

“There are a range of factors to consider - genetic defects on the sex chromosomes (X or Y), a compromised immune system, comorbidities, lifestyle factors and chemical pollutants capable of compromising telomeric integrity in DNA,” Professor Aitken said.

Professor Aitken suggests a process called oxidative stress could be involved in the process. This is an imbalance in the body of molecules called ‘free radicals’ and antioxidants, which inhibit oxidation. Free radicals are known to damage cells and to influence semen quality, and oxidative stress is known to be involved in the aging process.

“I think oxidative stress could well be a single mechanism that connects the sperm count in the male with his lifespan,” Professor Aitken said.

“Women tend to have higher levels of antioxidant in their bloodstream than men. Consequently, women have longer telomeres – the little bits of chromosome that define your life span.

“We know that the average lifespan of women is more than their male counterparts.”

Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis, but Professor Aitken said if oxidative stress is to blame for reduced lifespans in men, then there is hope we can prevent it.

“Health professionals can monitor levels of oxidative stress and determine if a patient needs to take antioxidant supplements,” Professor Aitken said.

Before you run to the supermarket to stock up on vitamins, Professor Aitken cautioned there is a “goldilocks” balance to strike.

“If you take antioxidant vitamins and you don’t need them, they can actually do more harm than good.

“People who take nutritional supplements are more likely to live shorter lives.”