Frequent Ejaculation May Enhance Sperm Quality, Study Finds

A major new study led by scientists from the University of Oxford, published in the Royal Society, indicates that frequent ejaculation may enhance sperm quality, contradicting the long-held belief that abstaining from ejaculation for several days improves reproductive outcomes. The research reviewed 115 human studies involving 54,889 men and 56 studies covering 30 animal species.

It found that prolonged storage of sperm can lead to deterioration, known as post-meiotic sperm senescence, which is associated with increased DNA damage, greater oxidative stress, and poorer sperm movement. Co-lead author Dr.

Rebecca Dean stated that sperm are highly mobile and quickly exhaust their energy reserves, making storage particularly damaging. The study raises questions about the World Health Organization's recommendation of seven days of sexual abstinence for semen samples.

The findings suggest that ejaculation within 48 hours may improve outcomes during in vitro fertilization (IVF). The research also highlights notable differences in sperm survival between male and female animals, with implications for understanding sperm aging and improving artificial sperm storage techniques.