Sexual Abstinence and Sperm Quality

Abstract

Background: Previous research has documented that sexual abstinence can improve sperm quality. Sexologists have reported that sperms stored in a latex condom decrease at a rate of 60% per minute. Objective: The objective of the current review is to explore the relationship between sexual abstinence duration and other factors that affect standard and substandard semen production. Design: A scientific review of published literature. Main Outcome Measure: Specific focus is to discuss how sexual abstinence behaviours relate to the production, quality and efficiency of sperms and semen in relation to the different characteristics such as duration of abstinence, age, and psychological behaviours. The study will also seek to verify if there is a link between sexual abstinence and semen production or what triggers semen production in men. Results: From the reviewed literature, data analysis on oligozoospermic samples indicated a peak motility of 30% after 1 day of abstinence. After 2 days of abstinence, the recorded average percentage of the normal sperm morphologies among the moderate and mild oligozoospermic samples ranged from 7% to 8.5%. The increase of the normal sperm morphology was statistically significant (P < 0.003) and sperm motility (P < 0.001) that were in line with the average percentage production of 7.5% and 31.9%, respectively. The significant sperm production was recorded between day 3 and day 8 of abstinence. Conclusion:The data obtained supports the literature on abstinence in facilitating male infertility treatment. Thus, the data argues that so as to present the best semen samples for fertility treatment, men should collect semen sample after 3-8 days of abstinence as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Patients that present normal sperms give sperm donations for cryopreservation ought to be informed not to exceed the 10-day abstinence duration as the quality of the sperms is compromised.

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

“…Previous studies have demonstrated the association of progressive motility and between abstinence time and motility, with peak progressive motility noted after abstinence of 3 days or less. [ 25 26 ] Furthermore, studies have identified an association between abstinence time and morphology with no clear consensus. [ 27 ] Few studies also shown an impact of abstinence time on DNA fragmentation rates, which was lower with shorter abstinence period and worsened with longer abstinence.…”

Within Subject Variation Of Seminal Parameters After 5 Days Of Abstinence

“…Reports showed semen parameters reduced significantly after an abstinence of 4 30 , 18 39 , 24 19,28,40 or 36 hours of collection 39 . Abstinence advised by different authors differed from 2 39 , 3 41 , 3-5 19,41 , 2-7 1 , 3-7 42 to 3-8 days 43 . Abstinence of long period is associated with an increase in dead and abnormal shaped cells 44 and fall in semen quality 45 .…”

Review on myths about infertility-an attempt to clear the air

“…66,67 Though the effects of prolonged abstinence on semen quality are inconclusive it is recommended not to exceed 10 days of abstinence as it could affect semen performance negatively thus undermining the fertility potential. [67][68][69]…”