Can cycling damage sperm?

Spanish researchers have found that serious cycle training seems to damage sperm. They looked at a group of triathletes, and found that those who focused on cycling in their training had the poorest sperm quality. Apparently the time spent training and the distance cycled could be seen to have direct links with the quality of sperm. It isn't clear why this should be, although it is possible that it is due to heat damage or compression. You can read more on the report released at ESHRE this week at www.eshre.com

New sperm quality test

A new method for testing sperm quality is already leading to claims that it could increase IVF success rates.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have worked out a way of evaluating DNA damage in sperm by capturing the sperm in laser light and inspecting the DNA by looking at vibration patterns. The process is known as Raman Spectroscopy. It would allow them to choose the healthiest sperm when carrying out IVF or ICSI.

When couples conceive naturally, only the strongest sperm survive the journey through the woman's body to reach the egg, and this new method allows scientists to weed out the healthiest sperm in a similar way.

It all sounds great, but apparently it will take at least five and possibly ten years before this will be available to patients as research is still ongoing.

You can read more here .

Chlamydia - fertility threat for men

We've known for years that chlamydia, a sexually-transmitted infection, is a huge threat to female fertility, but new research shows that it's a risk for men, too. Most people who have chlamydia don't have a clue they've been infected. There are often no symptoms at all, or at most very mild, non-specific symptoms. Chlamydia has become a serious problem in the UK, where it's estimated as many as one in ten sexually active women under 25 are infected.

The new study shows that chlamydia can damage sperm quality, affecting the ability to swim and causing defects. Fortunately for men, once chlamydia is detected and treated with antibiotics, the sperm quality does improve. For women, however, the fertility problems associated with chlamydia tend to be irreversible. It can cause pelvic infection and block the fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovary to the womb. If this happens, a woman will need medical help to get pregnant.

All the more reason to get tested. Chlamydia screening involves a simple urine test or swab, and antibiotics are prescribed if the test comes back positive. Most at risk are young people who have unprotected sex, and the more partners you have, the more likely you are to get chlamydia. Even those who aren't considering parenthood in the near future should think about going for a test to make sure they aren't putting their long-term chances of having a family at risk.