The Impact of Physical Exercise on Male Fertility

Abstract

In the last decades, there have been an increasing number of reports linking exercise to semen alterations and male reproductive potential decrease. Sports practice itself has become a possible cause of infertility. It is highlighted in this chapter that sports practice and illegal substances linked to some exercise modes may affect semen quality significantly and thus interfere in reproductive processes. The types of physical activity as well as different inherent parameters are important variables in this equation. Endurance athletes such as runners and cyclists, because of inherent parameters associated to this type of exercise and the metabolic pathways employed, are more at risk to be affected. On the other hand, physical activity and sports practice have been shown to enhance semen quality when compared to sedentary subjects. Therefore, sports practice is a lifestyle factor that may have an important impact on male fertility.