Sperm Stay Fertile for a Man’s Entire Life
Fiction: Men have a biological clock too. Studies have shown that as men age, the DNA fragmentation level in their sperm increases, which can elevate the likelihood of birth defects in their children.
Sperm Only Live for a Short Time After Release
Fiction: Sperm that make it into the vagina and beyond can live for up to five days.
Sperm Counts Are Declining
Fact: In the United Kingdom and America, new research indicates that sperm counts have been decreasing and sperm motility has been worsening over time.
Heat Hurts Healthy Sperm
Fact: The testes are outside the body to stay cooler. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat negatively affects sperm DNA. For every one degree increase in temperature, sperm production can fall by 40%. While occasional overheating, like the odd sauna, isn’t a problem, regular overheating is. Spending most of the day driving or with a laptop on your lap increases your risk significantly.
Saving My Sperm for Ovulation Will Increase My Chances of Pregnancy
Fiction: The notion that saving sperm until ovulation boosts fertility is incorrect. Sperm lose their motility and DNA quality the longer they are stored. Frequent ejaculation is recommended when trying to conceive.
If I Have an Abnormal Sperm Test, There Is Nothing That Can Be Done
Fiction: Semen parameters can be significantly improved when the cause of a low sperm count is identified and treated. Low sperm count can be reversed, increasing the chances of natural conception. Getting a semen analysis allows you to take control of your fertility, as understanding the problem is the first step to finding a solution.