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. 2023 Nov 23;20(1):173.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-023-01718-5.

Association of diet and lifestyle factors with semen quality in male partners of Chinese couples preparing for pregnancy

Hanran Mai #  1   2 , Junyi Ke #  1   2 , Zilin Zheng #  1   2 , Jieyi Luo  1   2 , Miaomiao Li  1   2 , Yanxia Qu  3 , Fan Jiang  4 , Simian Cai  5 , Liandong Zuo  6
Affiliations

Association of diet and lifestyle factors with semen quality in male partners of Chinese couples preparing for pregnancy

Hanran Mai et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Background: Semen quality significantly influences conception, and its preservation is crucial for couples seeking pregnancy. We investigated dietary and lifestyle risk factors impacting semen quality.

Methods: A total of 466 males from the Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center's pre-pregnancy consultation clinic were recruited between January 2021 and March 2023 for inclusion. Semen analysis was performed, and diet and lifestyle data were gathered via questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to examine the link between diet, lifestyle variables, and semen quality.

Results: Smoking worsened progressive sperm motility (38.0% vs. 36.0%, t = 2.262; P = 0.049). Alcohol consumption impaired progressive motility (40.5 ± 17.8% vs. 34.7 ± 16.1%, t = 3.396; P < 0.001) and total motility (56.0% vs. 64.0%; P = 0.001). Using plastic beverage bottles for oil or seasonings lowered sperm concentrations (40.4% vs. 59.0% vs. 65.5%; P = 0.032). A sweet diet correlated with higher total sperm motility (55.0% vs. 60.0%, 62.0% vs. 63.2%; P = 0.017). Higher milk product intake improved sperm concentration (41.6106 vs. 63.7106 vs. 66.1*106; P = 0.021) and motility (54.5% vs. 56.0% vs. 63.0%; P = 0.033). More frequent egg consumption increased semen volume (3.1 mL vs. 3.8 mL vs. 4.0 mL; P = 0.038). Roughage intake enhanced sperm concentration (160.8106 vs. 224.6106; P = 0.027), and adequate sleep improved progressive sperm motility rate (35.4% ± 18.2% vs. 40.2 ± 16.3%, F = 3.747; P = 0.024) and total motility (52.7% vs. 61.5%; P = 0.013). The regression model showed that using plastic containers for condiments was a protective factor for semen volume (OR: 0.12; CI 0.03-0.55; P = 0.006), sperm concentration (OR: 0.001, CI 0.00-0.30; P = 0.012), and count (OR: 0.12, CI 0.03-0.48; P = 0.003). Milk and egg consumption were also protective for semen volume (OR: 0.18, CI 0.06-0.51; P = 0.001 and OR: 0.11, CI 0.03-0.55; P = 0.006, respectively), while sufficient sleep benefitted total sperm motility (OR: 0.47, CI 0.24-0.95; P = 0.034).

Conclusions: Smoking and drinking, type of condiment container, diet preference, sleep duration, and milk, roughage, and egg consumption may reduce semen quality.

Keywords: Diet factors; Lifestyle factors; Male fertility; Semen quality.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Hanran Mai, Junyi Ke, Zilin Zheng, Li Miaomiao, Jieyi Luo, Yanxia Qu, Fan Jiang, Simian Cai, Liandong Zuo declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Forest plot showing the effect of different diet and lifestyle on semen volume (A), progressive motility (B), total motility (C), sperm concentration (D), sperm count (E), pH value (F). Dots represent ORs. Error bars indicate 95% CIs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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