Stronger, Faster Sperm Linked to Longer Lifespan, Study Finds

 

Higher Sperm Motility Associated with Increased Longevity

A new study suggests that men with strong, fast-swimming sperm not only have better fertility but may also live longer. Researchers tracked over 78,000 men for 50 years and found that those with higher sperm motility—sperm’s ability to swim—lived nearly three years longer than those with poor motility.

“In absolute terms, men with a total motile count of more than 120 million (per milliliter of semen) lived 2.7 years longer than men with a total motile count of between 0 and 5 million,” said lead author Lærke Priskorn, a doctoral candidate at Copenhagen University Hospital – Rigshospitalet in Denmark.

Life Expectancy and Sperm Motility

According to findings published in the journal Human Reproduction, men with high sperm motility had a life expectancy of 80.3 years, compared to 77.6 years for men with very low motility.

Sperm motility is essential for fertility, as it enables sperm to travel through the female reproductive tract and fertilize an egg. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines normal sperm motility as at least 42% of sperm in a sample being able to swim effectively. A motility count lower than 5 million per milliliter of semen is linked to male infertility.

Semen Quality as a Health Indicator

Dr. Michael Eisenberg, professor of urology at Stanford University School of Medicine, reviewed the study and emphasized its significance.

“The fact that there is an association between semen quality and longevity is an important finding,” Eisenberg told CNN, adding that previous research has also suggested a link between reproductive health and overall well-being.

John Aitken, a reproductive health expert and professor emeritus at the University of Newcastle in Australia, supported these findings in an editorial accompanying the study.

“In men, it appears to be their semen profile that is providing the most significant information concerning their future health and well-being,” he wrote.

The Role of Oxidative Stress

Experts believe that oxidative stress could be a key factor linking sperm quality to life expectancy. Oxidative stress occurs when unstable molecules called free radicals accumulate in the body, causing damage to cells and DNA—including sperm.

“Any factor (genetic, immunological, metabolic, environmental, or lifestyle) that enhances overall levels of oxidative stress could reasonably be expected to drive changes in the semen profile and subsequent patterns of mortality,” Aitken explained.

Factors Contributing to Oxidative Stress

Several lifestyle and environmental factors can increase oxidative stress, including:

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Pesticides and industrial chemicals
• Air pollution
• Diet and Antioxidants for Sperm Health

The body combats oxidative stress using antioxidants, which are found in foods such as:

• Fruits (citrus fruits, mangos)
• Vegetables (spinach, carrots, kale, peppers)
• Nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds, almonds)
• Fish (salmon, tuna)
• Whole grains

While antioxidant supplements have not been proven to reduce oxidative stress significantly, a diet rich in whole foods provides a natural way to support both sperm health and overall longevity.