Tuesday, June 30, 2009
"Elite Cyclists" Risk Infertility
Researchers found that sperm quality drops dramatically with rigorous training in professional cyclists. The Spanish study of top triathletes found those who cover more than 186 miles (300km) a week on their bikes have less than 4% normal looking sperm. Heat from wearing tight clothing, friction of the testes against the saddle, pressure on the prostate gland and stresses on the body from the sheer amounts of energy needed to do such rigorous exercise, all contribute to poor sperm quality. Antioxidants to counter these effects was suggested and modifying training regimes to aid recovery. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8124458.stm