Stress is good for sperm. A new study says so

 

The researchers noticed changes in small particles which aid in sperm development after the stress had passed. (Photo: Getty Images)

In Short

Sperm quality and fertility have dropped possibly due to rising environmental stress

A study suggests better sperm movement after stress has passed, not during

Researchers noted that the stress-induced adjustments help sperm movement

Stress has a great impact on our reproductive health. High levels of stress that are chronic can have adverse effects on our sexual health as well. However, the latest study reveals that there is better sperm movement after a stressful event, not during.

The new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus sheds light on how stress affects reproduction and could help improve foetal development outcomes.

Over the past 50 years, sperm quality and fertility have dropped, possibly due to rising environmental stress. But researchers still don’t fully understand how these changes affect sperm.

the study reveals that stress impacts sperm motility, or its ability to move through the female reproductive system to fertilise an egg.

Changes in small particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs), which aid in sperm development, were noticed after the stress had passed.

These changes occurred after the stressor had passed, not during the stress experience, the researchers noted.

"Our research shows that sperm motility significantly improves after stress, which might help boost birth rates after stressful periods, like during the Covid pandemic," explained Tracy Bale, the study's lead author.

This effect was seen in both human and animal studies, suggesting a broader connection across species.

Dr Nickole Moon, the study's first author, compared the process to a car running more efficiently with a little extra fuel.

She noted that the stress-induced adjustments help sperm improve energy production and movement.

"Imagine you have a car that's struggling to get up a steep hill. When the engine is stressed, the car becomes less efficient. However, with a little more gas, you can boost the overall performance for a smoother drive. Just as your car becomes more efficient under stress, with the right adjustments, cells improve their energy production and movement when stress-induced factors are present," said Dr Moon.

While the study focused on males, researchers are also exploring how stress impacts both partners and foetal development, particularly the brain.

Dr Neill Epperson, a co-author, emphasised that understanding how stress affects fertility and passes through generations is key to advancing reproductive health.

The research team is continuing studies to explore how stress affects sperm and fertilisation, with plans for further trials to deepen their understanding of these mechanisms.