News | Study Finds Sperm Motility Rises Significantly After Stress
A study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that stress-related changes in sperm motility occur after, rather than during, a stressful event. The finding may improve understanding of how stress affects reproduction and fetal development. The study was published in Nature Communications.
Semen quality has declined substantially over the past 50 years, a trend associated with environmental stressors. This study is the first to show how stress affects sperm's ability to move through the female reproductive tract. Researchers found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the male reproductive tract changed after stress. These EVs play an important role in sperm development and maturation.
Dr. Tracy Bale of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus said: "Our study shows that sperm motility increases significantly over time after perceived stress, consistent with previous research on changes in human sperm microRNA. The timing of this improved sperm function after stress may offer an evolutionary advantage for birth rates, especially during difficult periods such as the COVID pandemic."
The findings were observed in both men and animal models. Stress-induced EVs increased sperm motility and mitochondrial respiration, which supplies the chemical energy needed for cellular biochemical reactions.
First author Dr. Nickole Moon said: "Imagine a car struggling uphill. When the engine is under strain, efficiency falls, but adding more fuel can improve overall performance. Similarly, stress-induced factors can improve cellular energy production and movement."
The findings suggest that increased sperm motility after stress may be a shared response mechanism across species and offer new insight into broader reproductive health questions. Although the study focused mainly on men, researchers emphasized the importance of examining the effects of stress on both partners.
The team will continue studying how stress information is transmitted through EVs and how it affects brain development. It also plans a trial examining the relationship between sperm and EVs in semen.
News | Study Finds Sperm Motility Rises Significantly After Stress
News | Study Finds Sperm Motility Rises Significantly After Stress
A study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that stress-related changes in sperm motility occur after, rather than during, a stressful event. The finding may improve understanding of how stress affects reproduction and fetal development. The study was published in Nature Communications.
Semen quality has declined substantially over the past 50 years, a trend associated with environmental stressors. This study is the first to show how stress affects sperm's ability to move through the female reproductive tract. Researchers found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the male reproductive tract changed after stress. These EVs play an important role in sperm development and maturation.
Dr. Tracy Bale of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus said: "Our study shows that sperm motility increases significantly over time after perceived stress, consistent with previous research on changes in human sperm microRNA. The timing of this improved sperm function after stress may offer an evolutionary advantage for birth rates, especially during difficult periods such as the COVID pandemic."
The findings were observed in both men and animal models. Stress-induced EVs increased sperm motility and mitochondrial respiration, which supplies the chemical energy needed for cellular biochemical reactions.
First author Dr. Nickole Moon said: "Imagine a car struggling uphill. When the engine is under strain, efficiency falls, but adding more fuel can improve overall performance. Similarly, stress-induced factors can improve cellular energy production and movement."
The findings suggest that increased sperm motility after stress may be a shared response mechanism across species and offer new insight into broader reproductive health questions. Although the study focused mainly on men, researchers emphasized the importance of examining the effects of stress on both partners.
The team will continue studying how stress information is transmitted through EVs and how it affects brain development. It also plans a trial examining the relationship between sperm and EVs in semen.
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