A large Danish study has revealed a potential link between sperm quality and life expectancy.
Researchers followed nearly 80,000 men over 50 years and discovered that those with higher sperm quality tend to live longer. Here are the key findings from the study.
More sperm, longer life?
Men with high sperm quality lived an average of 2-3 years longer than those with low sperm quality, according to the study.
78,000 men followed over 50 years
The study analyzed data from almost 80,000 Danish men, making it one of the most extensive studies of its kind.
A surprising difference in lifespan
Men with at least 120 million motile sperm cells could expect to live almost three years longer than those with fewer than 5 million.
Sperm quality may reveal hidden health issues
Researchers believe that poor sperm quality could be an early indicator of heart disease, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Healthy men can also have low sperm quality
The study included men with no known illnesses, suggesting that sperm quality may serve as a general health marker.
Can sperm quality be used for early disease detection?
Since sperm samples are often taken at a young age, they could potentially help detect health risks long before symptoms appear.
Scientists still searching for answers
Although there is a clear link between sperm quality and lifespan, researchers still do not know exactly why.
What is considered normal sperm quality?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy sperm sample should contain at least 40 million sperm per ejaculation, with 40% showing motility.
Lifestyle plays a major role
Factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and stress significantly impact sperm quality—and possibly also life expectancy.
Future studies will explore the causes
Researchers will now investigate whether lifestyle changes can improve both sperm quality and lifespan.
This article is based on information from Illusteret Videnskab