Effect of long abstinence periods on human sperm quality.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of long abstinence periods on semen characteristics.

DESIGN

Semen analysis was performed on six men after various sexual abstinence periods (from 2 to 18 days). The variations in semen parameters were analyzed statistically as a function of the duration of abstinence.

SETTING

The Reproductive Biology Laboratory at the University of Montpellier Medical School.

RESULTS

Lengthy sexual abstinence was found to affect all semen characteristics. Semen volume and concentration and total sperm count showed significant increases, whereas motility and normal morphology decreased significantly with duration of abstinence. Significant changes in the percentage of normal sperm forms were observed after more than seven days' abstinence.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that the influence of long sexual abstinence on semen quality varies with the variable considered. With regard to fertility, a long abstinence period might induce senescence of spermatozoa.