FERTILITY WRECKERS

as male fertility rates decline we look at the potential causes. this week: exercising too hard GETTING fit may seem a logical way to boost fertility — but moderation is key, as a study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine suggests.

Twenty four young men undertook 16 weeks of moderately intensive cycling training. The researchers, from Urmia University in Iran, found the volume and concentration of their semen was reduced, along with the ability of the sperm to swim — all crucial for fertility — and remained low a month after the training ended. ‘Some data shows hardcore triathletes have poorer sperm and increased problems with erections,’ says Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield. ‘However, there is no concern when men are just cycling to the shops. I would encourage them to do it for the cardiovascular benefits, which will, in turn, help their erectile function and sex lives.’