Overtraining and male infertility. (The Clinic).? I am a 37 year old male runner with fertility problems. 85% of my sperm are abnormal and their mobility is poor. Last fall I was running between 50 and 70 miles per week; I am presently down to 30. Could my distance running be a contributing factor? Frank Gavelstein, Logendale, NV Studies have shown that overtraining overtraining training horses or dogs too hard so that they lose spirit. overtraining Sports medicine A general term for any practice of, or training for, a particular sport which is in excess of that necessary to participate in the sport , which lowers testosterone testosterone (tĕstŏs`tərōn), principal androgen, or male sex hormone. One of the group of compounds known as anabolic steroids, testosterone is secreted by the testes (see testis) but is also synthesized in small quantities in the levels and sperm counts. With decreased training, counts return to normal, though this takes several months. I reviewed the literature, and did not find any reports on exercise affecting sperm morphology and mobility, however. This, combined with the fact that you have decreased your training, leads me to believe that running is not the source of the problem. Cathy Fieseler, MD, Cleveland, OH It's clear that excessive running may affect the hormone status and menstrual cycle menstrual cycle n. The recurring cycle of physiological changes in the uterus, ovaries, and other sexual structures that occur from the beginning of one menstrual period through the beginning of the next. in women, and men are not that different from women. So it is possible that excessive running may be preventing your testicles Testicles Also called testes or gonads, they are part of the male reproductive system, and are located beneath the penis in the scrotum. Mentioned in: Testicular Cancer, Testicular Surgery, Vasectomy from performing the job they were meant to do, though at 30 miles a week, this does not seem to be the problem. Be sure to visit a urologist Urologist A physician who deals with the study and treatment of disorders of the urinary tract in women and the urogenital system in men. Mentioned in: Congenital Bladder Anomalies, Lithotripsy, Men's Health, Overactive Bladder urologist who specializes in male infertility. The national organization Resolve can help you find one in your area. Jon Pryor, MD, Minneapolis, MN |
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