Moving heavy objects at work has been shown to be good for men’s health. American scientists have shown that working hard in a rotating job is associated with a significant increase in sperm quality in men, according to the study. published in Human Reproduction magazine.
Studies conducted in recent years show a decline in various indicators of male reproductive health globally. According to statistics, low sperm count and reduced sperm quality are the main causes of male infertility. Studies in the United States had previously found that in men with infertility, these rates fell by 42% in 2000-2017.
In a new study, scientists led by Lydia Minguez-Alarcon from Brigham Women’s Hospital (USA) have discovered how lifestyle, as well as the mode and characteristics of work, affect men’s health. The study looked at data provided by 377 men who were seen by doctors for infertility-related issues.
The analysis showed that men who frequently lifted or moved heavy objects had 46% higher ejaculate sperm counts and 44% higher overall sperm quality than men whose jobs did not involve heavy lifting. ‘physical effort. At the same time, it turned out that men engaged in heavy physical labor also had higher levels of the hormone testosterone and, surprisingly to scientists, estrogen, a female hormone.
“Contrary to what many of us remember from biology class, both sexes have ‘male’ and ‘female’ hormones. In this case, we assume that excess testosterone is converted into estrogen, a way known by which the body maintains normal levels of both hormones,” explained Minguez-Alarcón.
A similar improvement in sperm quality is seen in men who work rotating shifts compared to those who work full-time day shifts.
“These results indicate that physical activity at work may be associated with significant improvements in male reproductive performance,” the author concluded.
