In Vitro Fertilization with your own eggs or donor eggs
September 29, 2025
Does stress reduce sperm quality? What can you do to prevent it? Male fertility depends on various factors, including biological, hormonal, and lifestyle-related aspects. One of the most important elements to consider is sperm quality, a key indicator of a man’s reproductive health. Multiple studies now show that stress can significantly affect this quality, reducing the chances of achieving a natural pregnancy or a successful outcome through fertility treatments.
At Advanced Fertility Center Cancun, we want our patients to stay informed and take care of their fertility.
What is sperm quality and why is it so important?
Sperm quality refers to the characteristics that determine sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.
The main parameters evaluated include:
- Sperm count: the number of sperm cells per milliliter of semen.
- Motility: the ability of sperm to move properly toward the egg.
- Morphology: the shape and structure of the sperm.
- Vitality and DNA fragmentation: indicators of the cellular health of the sperm.
Good sperm quality significantly increases the chances of achieving pregnancy, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive treatments.
We invite you to read our blog post: Fertility Consultations for Men. We believe it may be of interest to you.
How does stress affect male fertility?
Physical or emotional stress activates a series of hormonal responses in the body, mainly an increase in cortisol, known as the stress hormone. When cortisol remains elevated for long periods, it can affect testosterone production, a hormone essential for sperm formation and maturation.
Effects of chronic stress include:
- Decreased sperm concentration and motility.
- Altered morphology and increased sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Reduced libido and sexual function, lowering the frequency of intercourse.
- Promotion of unhealthy habits such as alcohol, tobacco, or processed food consumption, which worsens semen quality.
Since stress is so common today, many couples—even young ones—often face obstacles when trying to conceive.
What do we recommend to reduce stress and improve sperm quality?
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Visit a doctor for regular medical checkups.
What treatment options are available for men with low sperm quality?
- Artificial insemination: recommended in cases of mild semen alterations.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): allows the selection of the best-quality sperm to fertilize the egg in a laboratory.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): used in cases of very low sperm quality, injecting a single healthy sperm directly into the egg.
At our fertility clinic, we help men and couples understand their reproductive health and find the most suitable treatment, providing comprehensive care with a human approach at every stage of the process.
We are the best fertility clinic in the Mexican Caribbean!
At Advanced Fertility Center Cancun, we have a team of specialists who will provide the professional and human care you deserve.
Now that we’ve shared information about how stress can reduce sperm quality, we’d love to know what other questions you have about Advanced Fertility Center Cancun. Feel free to leave your doubts in the comments.
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