Gollenberg, A. L. et al. Semen quality in fertile men in relation to psychosocial stress. Fertil. Steril. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.018

A study of 744 fertile men, all partners of pregnant women participating in the US Study for Future Families, concludes that men under significant stress are more likely to produce sperm that fails to meet the WHO thresholds for 'normal' with respect to motility, concentration and morphology. “Men reporting two or more stressful life events [in the 3 months prior to sample collection] were twice as likely to have a sperm concentration below the WHO cut-off for possible infertility,” says senior author Shanna Swan.

This study is the first to use a population-based sample, with strict quality control methods. “Most previous studies used populations from assisted reproduction technology clinics or other non-representative populations, making it difficult to differentiate between stress as a cause or a consequence of infertility,” explains Swan. Stressful events about which men were questioned included job loss, bereavement, illness, relationship problems, and legal or financial problems.

The researchers now plan to assess psychosocial stress in all future semen analyses and are interested in the possible interaction between stress and environmental risk factors. “Preliminary data suggest that men who are highly stressed may be more sensitive to such exposures,” comments Swan.

Lead author Audra Gollenberg adds that “most studies that examine stress in relation to fertility issues focus on women. Since stress also affects men's reproductive systems, a couple-based approach to stress management might be beneficial.”