Want good quality sperm? Avoid air pollution at the time of conception

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Main Category: Fertility
Article Date: 27 Sep 2005 - 15:00 PDT

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Scientists have found a link between exposure to air pollution and a reduction in the quality of sperm. You can read about this study in the journal Human Reproduction.

(Human Reproduction Journal)

The researchers say the damage is temporary. If you move away from the pollution your new sperm will be of better quality. However, they found a clear link between exposure to high air pollution and sperm damage.

IF YOU ARE MALE AND WANT TO CONCEIVE, STAY AWAY FROM HIGH AIR POLLUTION.

This study took place in the Czech Republic in a town called Teplice. Teplice has high levels of air pollution during the winter months. 35 males were monitored for 24 months. Scientists found that their sperm quality deteriorated during the winter and improved significantly during the months when air pollution was low.

Researchers say the pollution damages the sperm's DNA - raising the risk of miscarriage and making conception less likely.

The good news is that the deterioration is temporary. As soon as the pollution levels go down, the quality of the new sperm goes up. It takes three months to produce a new sperm.

The following may help a man produce the best quality sperm possible:

1. Stay away from high air pollution.
2. Eat healthily.
3. Do some exercise (avoid very intense exercise)
4. Quit smoking.
5. Avoid heavy drinking of alcohol.
6. Avoid wearing very tight underpants.
7. Avoid situations where the temperature around the testicles is too high.
8. Avoid marijuana.

Human Reproduction Journal

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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