Analysis of semen parameters during 2 weeks of daily ejaculation: a first in humans study

Abstract

BackgroundTimed and frequent intercourse around the time of female ovulation is recommended to improve conception. Although a significant number of articles have examined how the length of abstinence affects these semen analysis, the effects of frequent (daily) ejaculation has not been rigorously studied.MethodsTwenty normal men were recruited for daily ejaculation over 14 consecutive days, after a 3–5 days abstinence period. Semen samples were collected at the beginning of the study (day 1) and then on days 3, 7 and 14. In addition to the standard semen analysis, markers of sperm DNA quality were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of men completing the study was 25 years (range, 23–33 years). Significant decreases were observed in mean semen volume, total motile count (TMC) and sperm concentration during the study period without significant changes in motility or morphology. A large initial change in ejaculate volume, TMC and sperm concentration provided the primary difference in these values over the study period, with a plateau in values after this initial decrease (after study day 3). Metrics of DNA integrity did not change in a statistically or clinically meaningful way during the study period.ConclusionsWhile a small study, this represents the most extensive examination of sperm quality with daily ejaculation. These findings generally support an approach of a short period of abstinence followed by daily copulation around ovulation to maximize the number of sperm available and optimize conception.

Short ejaculatory abstinence in normozoospermic men is associated with higher clinical pregnancy rates in sub-fertile couples undergoing intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection in assisted reproductive technology: A retrospective analysis of 1691 cycles

“…Thus, there is a strong correlation between longer abstinence time and increased semen volume. [ 17 18 19 ] The total sperm concentration per ejaculate was highest in Group IV with maximum duration of abstinence. Many relevant studies have also demonstrated increase in total sperm count associated with longer abstinence time.…”

“…Many relevant studies have also demonstrated increase in total sperm count associated with longer abstinence time. [ 13 17 20 21 22 ] A few other studies reported the impact of frequent ejaculation (24 h) and found a fall in total sperm count, higher level of sperm chromatin immaturity with daily ejaculation, when compared to longer period of abstinence. [ 9 22 23 24 ] Total motile sperm concentration was highest in Group II with the abstinence period of 2–5 days with no significant difference from other groups.…”

The impact of ejaculatory abstinence on semen analysis parameters: a systematic review

“…A summary of key findings based on multiple parameters can be found in Table 2. Fifteen of the 17 studies (88.2%) demonstrated that with longer abstinence, men can achieve statistically significant increases in overall semen volume [4,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. Using a gradual scale based on specific definitions of abstinence provided by each study, no studies demonstrated decreases in semen volume with longer abstinence times.…”

Effect of the sexual abstinence period recommended by the World Health Organization on clinical outcomes of fresh embryo transfer cycles with normal ovarian response after intracytoplasmic sperm injection

“…Welliver et al. () reported that the semen volume, total motile sperm count and sperm concentration were significantly decreased in normal men, with semen samples collected as daily ejaculated from day 1 (baseline) to days 3, 7 and 14 after 3–5 days of abstinence. However, motility, morphology and sperm DNA integrity did not change with SAP during the study.…”