Bike riding may be fun, but a new study claims regular cycling may negatively impact sperm; resulting in lower sperm counts.
Researchers did not expect to find an association between sperm quality and moderate physical activity, but previous studies have suggested pro-athletes may have issues with their sperm.
For the new study, scientists examined the link between exercising and sperm health in "average" men.
Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, results showed more than 31% of men who biked for at least five hours each week had low sperm counts, compared to 23% of men who did not get regular exercise. Study participants provided a sperm sample and answered questions about their health.
Among the frequent bikers, 40% had low sperm count with good motility, only 27% of men who didn't exercise suffered from the same condition. The scientists suspect trauma or temperature caused by bike riding may be responsible for the negative impact on sperm health.
The researchers say more studies need to be conducted because the participants were all attending a fertility clinic; meaning they may have preexisting sperm problems.
The Mayo Clinic suggests taking a multivitamin, eating fruits and vegetables, managing stress, watching your weight, and exercising, to help produce healthy sperm and improve fertility.
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