The more physically demanding a man’s job, the better things are when it comes to fertility indicators and specifically sperm count, according to an interesting finding of a study by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital as part of the EARTH study conducted in conjunction with Harvard University’s T. Chan School of Public Health.

Infertility is a growing problem in modern times and there are numerous factors contributing to this. The ‘male’ factor is considered to be responsible for 40% of infertility cases, with the main problems being the number and quality of sperm.

Also, earlier analysis by the EARTH team found that among men undergoing infertility treatment, sperm count and quality dropped by 42% between 2000 and 2017.

In this particular study, a smaller sample of 377 men was analysed – out of a data set of 1500 men and women. These men along with their partners sought treatment at fertility centres.

Based on the questionnaires answered by the men, it was found that those who reported frequently lifting weights or moving heavy objects at work had 46% higher sperm concentration and 44% more sperm compared to those who did less physically demanding work. They also had higher levels of testosterone, as well as estrogen – experts remind us that men and women secrete both “male” and “female” hormones in their bodies, just in different proportions.

The researchers note, however, that while an association between physical activity and fertility may have been found in men seeking fertility treatments, more research is needed to see if these findings extend to the wider male population.