A new study by researchers from University of Oxford suggests that men who ejaculate more frequently may have healthier sperm, challenging traditional advice that sexual abstinence improves fertility.
The research, which analysed data from 115 published studies involving nearly 55,000 men, found that prolonged periods of abstinence can lead to deterioration in sperm quality. Specifically, sperm stored in the male reproductive tract for extended periods showed reduced motility, lower viability, and increased DNA damage.
“Sperm stored during sexual abstinence actually ‘ages’ and deteriorates in quality,” the study notes, highlighting that frequent ejaculation may flush out older, less viable sperm.
The team identified two main factors contributing to sperm deterioration: oxidative stress, which physically damages sperm, and energy depletion, as sperm have limited reserves and become less active the longer they are stored.
Current World Health Organization guidelines recommend abstaining from ejaculation for two to seven days before providing a sperm sample for fertility tests or procedures such as IVF. However, the study’s findings suggest that shorter abstinence periods may produce better sperm quality, potentially improving fertility outcomes.
Interestingly, the study also looked at 30 animal species, including birds, bees, and mammals. In these species, sperm quality similarly declined during storage, although deterioration was slower inside females, likely due to specialized organs that nourish and protect sperm.
Lead researcher Rebecca Dean explained that the findings indicate a simple, modifiable factor that can improve male fertility.
“Many fertility problems are driven by factors outside our control, such as environmental toxins or genetics. But the duration of sperm storage is something that can be managed,” she said.
The study also aligns with evolutionary biology findings that frequent ejaculation in primates improves sperm quality, suggesting that regular sexual activity or masturbation may provide a natural reproductive advantage.
The researchers conclude that using freshly ejaculated sperm for conception could offer a meaningful boost to fertility outcomes, making ejaculation frequency an important consideration for men planning to father children.