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Men who regularly lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts, according to a new study from researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Boston scientists found that occupational factors, such as physical demands and work schedules, were linked to higher sperm and serum testosterone concentrations among men in the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) clinical trial.
“We already know that exercise is associated with several health benefits in humans, including those seen in reproductive health, but few studies have looked at how occupational factors may contribute to these benefits,” said first author Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón, reproductive epidemiologist at Brigham’s Channing Division of Network Medicine and co-investigator of the EARTH study.
“What these new findings suggest is that physical activity during work may also be associated with a significant improvement in men’s reproductive potential,” added Mínguez-Alarcón.
Infertility is a growing problem and can be caused by a wide variety of factors. However, around 40% of infertility cases can be attributed to male factors such as sperm count, semen quality and sexual function.
In particular, sperm count and semen quality are believed to be key drivers of rising infertility rates among men – a previous analysis led by the EARTH study team found that among men seeking fertility treatment , sperm count and quality decreased by up to 42%. between 2000 and 2017.
“Additionally, there is growing evidence that male infertility is associated with common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and autoimmune diseases, highlighting the broader importance of male reproductive health,” said Mínguez-Alarcón.
The EARTH study is a collaboration between the Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health and Mass General Brigham to assess the effect of environmental and lifestyle factors on fertility.
EARTH collected sample and survey data from more than 1,500 men and women, and the current study focused on a subset of these participants, including 377 male partners in couples seeking treatment at a fertility center.
Researchers found that men who reported frequently lifting or moving heavy objects at work had a 46% higher sperm concentration and a 44% higher total sperm count compared to those with less physical jobs. Men who reported more physical activity at work also had higher levels of the male sex hormone testosterone and, counterintuitively, the female hormone estrogen.
“Contrary to what some people remember from biology class, ‘male’ and ‘female’ hormones are found in both sexes, but in different amounts,” said Mínguez-Alarcón. “In this case, we hypothesize that excess testosterone is being converted to estrogen, which is a known way for the body to maintain normal levels of both hormones.”
While the current study found a relationship between physical activity and fertility in men seeking fertility treatment, more research will be needed to confirm whether these findings hold true for men in the general population. The researchers also hope that future studies will reveal the underlying biological mechanisms at play.
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