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Men who cycle more than 186 miles a week are damaging their fertility, experts warned today.
A new study of healthy triathletes reveals a direct link between men who do intensive cycling training and poor sperm quality.
Those who cycle more than 300km (186 miles) a week have significant fertility problems with less than four per cent of their sperm classed as “normal”. Although the study was on athletes, the distances involved are not exceptional for amateur cyclists and longer-distance commuters.
Scientists blame this adverse impact on sperm quality on saddle friction and localised heat generated by tight clothing.
This stress on the body results in an abnormal increase in special molecules which in turn alter sperm quality.
Experts are now calling for clinics to freeze athletes' sperm before they start high intensity training in a bid to protect their fertility.
University of Cordoba researcher Dr Diana Vaamonde said the research had uncovered a “serious problem” which would affect anyone who did a similar amount of training.
She said: “We believe that all the factors inherent in this sports activity, especially with regards to the cycling part may affect sperm quality.
“Protective measures for these sportsmen need to be developed. These could include giving antioxidants and modifying training regimes. Or we could take preventative measures by freezing athletes' sperm.”
Reader views (4)
All the keen cyclists I know are fertile.
My 4 children provide some anecdotal evidence that my 200 miles per week commute didn't do any serious harm...
- Ex-Pat Scot, York
Surely this is a good news story. Cycle 200+ miles a week and no need for artificial contraception. Somebody tell the Pope.
- Austen, London
Phew!So I,ll be fine I only Cycle 185 miles a week.
Thinking about I,ll reduce it to 184 miles to be on the safe side.
Peter
Spain
- Peter French, Orihuela Costa Spain
I was advised to simply soak my landing gear in cold water after a ride. 300km would be excessive for an amateur cyclist though.
- Mark, London
