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What are the advantages and disadvantages of exercise for male fertility?

By Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 04/15/2026

Silvia Azaña, an embryologist at inviTRA, talks in this video about the advantages and disadvantages of exercise for male fertility:

The main advantages of sport in relation to male fertility are found mainly when it is practiced in a moderate way. In this way, sport can lead to an increase in testosterone, a better oxidative balance in the semen, which would reduce oxidative stress, and an improvement in seminal parameters.

On the other hand, sport presents disadvantages for male fertility when it is practiced very intensely, as is the case with elite athletes or competitive athletes. In this case, a decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in oxidative stress could occur, which could cause damage to the genetic material of the sperm and has been linked to poorer sperm quality and an increase in DNA fragmentation.

 Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez
Silvia Azaña Gutiérrez
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Embryologist
Graduate in Health Biology from the University of Alcalá and specialized in Clinical Genetics from the same university. Master in Assisted Reproduction by the University of Valencia in collaboration with IVI clinics.
License: 3435-CV
Embryologist. Graduate in Health Biology from the University of Alcalá and specialized in Clinical Genetics from the same university. Master in Assisted Reproduction by the University of Valencia in collaboration with IVI clinics. License: 3435-CV.