• Sperm samples produced during summer months were more likely to be of poor quality.
• Sperm samples produced following six days of abstinence were more likely to be of normal (healthy) quality.
• Samples from men who were 18 to 30 years old who had used marijuana in the three months before producing sperm samples were more likely to be of poor quality.

These findings suggest many lifestyle choices have little effect on sperm morphology so there is no need to delay assisted reproductive technologies simply to allow time for lifestyle adjustments.

There is concern the Pacey study findings may not be highly conclusive due to the nature of the data collection. Self-reported information is not as reliable as clinically derived data. Also, of the entire body of men eligible for enrollment in the study, only about 40% volunteered. The low enrollment rate may be an indication that many of the men seeking fertility assessment during the study period chose to keep their personal lifestyle choices private.


Source: Pacey, A. A., et al. “Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for poor sperm morphology.” Human Reproduction. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology / Oxford University Press. Jun 4, 2014. Web. Jun 26, 2014.