Tag

Fertility

All articles tagged with #fertility

science2 days ago•3 min saved

Meiosis-Blocking Drug Shows Non-Hormonal Path to Male Birth Control in Mice

Cornell researchers showed that the non-hormonal drug JQ1 can temporarily halt sperm production by blocking meiosis in male mice, with fertility returning and offspring normal after stopping treatment. While JQ1 itself is unlikely to be developed due to side effects and short half-life, the study provides a proof of concept for non-hormonal male birth control and underscores multiple other candidates and approaches in the field seeking long-lasting, non-hormonal options.

via Gizmodo|

#fertility #jq1 #male-contraception

health14 days ago•16 min saved

Frequent Ejaculation Linked to Healthier Sperm, Review Finds

A review of nearly 150 studies finds that regular ejaculation or sex can help sperm quality, while abstinence modestly degrades it via increased oxidative stress and DNA damage, reducing viability and motility in humans and other animals. A recent IVF trial suggested higher fertilization success when men ejaculate within 48 hours of sample collection, though the impact on natural fertility remains unclear. The findings could lead clinics to reassess abstinence guidelines and emphasize sperm quality alongside quantity, while general health benefits of regular sexual activity appear unaffected.

via gizmodo.com|

#abstinence #fertility #health

space14 days ago•97 min saved

Microgravity May Block Reproduction, Complicating Space Colonization

A study using a clinostat to simulate microgravity found that sperm navigation, fertilization, and embryo development are impaired in mammals (humans, mice, and pigs) under near-zero gravity, with fertilization dropping by about 30% in mice and 15% in pigs and embryos showing developmental delays. Progesterone helped sperm navigate but required unusually high concentrations, and safety concerns remain. These findings highlight gravity’s deep role in reproductive biology and suggest that long-term space settlements face significant fertility challenges, underscoring the need for further research before space colonization can be considered viable.

via Live Science|

#astronauts #fertility #microgravity

health16 days ago•3 min saved

Frequent ejaculation linked to a small fertility boost, study finds

A large meta-analysis across human and non-human studies shows that regular ejaculation helps prevent rapid deterioration of stored sperm, with longer abstinence associated with increased DNA damage and reduced motility. The findings suggest a modest fertility benefit from frequent ejaculation and hint that ejaculation timing could influence IVF success; current guidelines allowing up to seven days between samples may warrant revision.

via Euronews.com|

#ejaculation #fertility #health

health16 days ago•3 min saved

Frequent Ejaculation May Boost Sperm Quality and Fertility

A large meta-analysis of about 55,000 men shows that longer gaps between ejaculations increase sperm DNA damage and oxidative stress, lowering quality, while shorter abstinence can yield fresher, more motile sperm. WHO guidelines of 2–7 days for semen testing may prioritize count over quality, and a recent IVF trial found higher pregnancy rates with shorter abstinence. For natural conception, a balance between abstinence duration, sperm quantity and quality is likely best, with freshness often more important in assisted reproduction.

via The Guardian|

#dna-damage #ejaculation-frequency #fertility

health17 days ago•4 min saved

Ultra-Processed Diet Linked to Lower Fertility Odds for Women

A study analyzing NHANES data found that women with higher consumption of ultra-processed foods had about 60% lower odds of conceiving within a year, while those who ate more whole foods had better odds. The foods may expose the body to chemicals like phthalates, BPA and acrylamides that can disrupt hormones, though the study is observational and does not prove causation. Reducing UPFs and increasing whole foods could potentially improve fertility chances.

via New York Post|

#fertility #health #nhanes

health-and-wellness23 days ago•7 min saved

Late-Blooming Mamas: More Women Becoming First-Time Moms in Their 40s

More women are becoming first-time moms in their 40s as birth rates fall for younger ages and edge up for older groups; the piece follows Alicia Grez, who had a baby at 40 after years of not wanting kids and now wants a second, alongside others like Sarah Kaufman (42) and Sherita Coardes (44) who timed or embraced late motherhood. Experts note age-related fertility declines and higher miscarriage risk, but options like egg freezing and careful planning can help; decisions are driven by finances, partnerships, and career goals, and for many 40-something moms the delay brings stability—even if it may limit how many children they ultimately have.

via USA Today|

#egg-freezing #family-planning #fertility

health28 days ago•6 min saved

Plastic Detox: A Fertility Quest Against Everyday Chemicals

Facing unexplained infertility, a couple joins Dr. Shanna Swan’s three‑month Plastic Detox study to cut plastic exposure, avoiding plastic packaging, receipts, synthetic fabrics and fragranced products. In a small sample, BPA levels dropped and sperm counts rose, suggesting home changes can impact fertility, though results aren’t conclusive. The Netflix documentary The Plastic Detox argues these chemicals are widespread and calls for broader lifestyle reforms to protect reproductive health.

via The Guardian|

#bpa #endocrine-disruptors #fertility

health1 month ago•8 min saved

Uncertain Rise in Male Infertility Triggers Debate Over Causes and Myths

Researchers say male fertility appears to be declining, with obesity, smoking, diet, environmental exposures and later fatherhood cited as possible factors; however studies are mixed—some analyses show sharp declines in sperm counts since the 1970s, while others (including a 2025 Cleveland Clinic review) find counts steady—yet many clinicians note that male factors contribute to about one-third to half of infertility cases. The public conversation includes debunking myths (such as cellphone use and infertility) and emphasizes medical evaluation, healthier lifestyle, and regular checkups; meanwhile advances in AI/robotics are expanding fertility treatment options.

via Fox News|

#environmental-exposures #fertility #health

science1 month ago•5 min saved

Older gut microbes unexpectedly rejuvenate ovaries in young mice

USC researchers found that fecal transplants from older mice into young, germ-free mice improved ovarian health and accelerated pup production, challenging the assumption that older microbiomes harm youth. The results suggest greater gut microbial diversity or altered estrogen signaling as potential mechanisms, but the exact reasons and relevance to humans remain unknown.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #fertility #mice

science1 month ago•4 min saved

Birth Count May Echo in the Body's Clock, Finnish Study Finds

A Finnish study of 14,836 twin-derived women links both no children and high child counts (average ~6.8) to worse biological aging and higher mortality, while having about two to three children (and pregnancies at ages ~24–38) shows the best aging markers. Early births may also relate to aging, but effects largely fade after accounting for lifestyle factors. The findings are observational and not causal, and unmeasured variables may influence both reproductive history and health; researchers caution against using this to guide individual family planning.

via ScienceAlert|

#aging #biological-aging #evolutionary-biology

health1 month ago•5 min saved

Longevity Researcher Details His Journey Into Testosterone Therapy

Longevity researcher Matt Kaeberlein explains his journey from suspected low testosterone in his 50s to starting weekly testosterone injections after advanced testing revealed primary hypogonadism, debunking myths about natural remedies, noting TRT stigma, and stressing that therapy works best when paired with diet and exercise, while acknowledging potential fertility effects and that stopping TRT may not fully restore fertility.

via Business Insider|

#aging #fertility #health

world1 month ago•11 min saved

Ukraine's demographic cliff: war, fertility collapse, and the rise of widows and orphans

Years of war have driven Ukraine to one of the world’s worst demographic crises: birth rates have collapsed, millions have fled or been killed, and about 10 million people have been lost since 2014, with 59,000 children living without biological parents. Fertility experts report poorer egg and sperm quality and more chromosomal abnormalities linked to stress, while six million people remain abroad as refugees, signaling a looming brain drain. Amid the tragedy, widows are forming support networks and contributing to rebuilding, and clinics warn the war is affecting pregnancy outcomes. Personal stories—like Olena Bilozerska, who froze an embryo and later welcomed son Pavlo—offer a glimmer of hope amid the devastation.

via CNN|

#demographics #fertility #refugees

entertainment1 month ago•10 min saved

Tara Lipinski's Health Journey: Endometriosis, Surgeries, and Fertility Trials

The Traitors Season 4 note that Tara Lipinski and Eric Nam couldn’t ride the carousel for medical reasons prompted a look at Lipinski’s health. She has endometriosis with multiple surgeries (including a 2000 hip labrum repair and 2020, 2022, and 2024 procedures to remove endometriosis lesions and reduce ovarian cancer risk via fallopian-tube removal). Her fertility journey included four miscarriages between 2018–2023, eight egg retrievals, six failed IVF transfers, and a daughter Georgie born via surrogate in 2023. The exact medical condition wasn’t disclosed on the show.

via TV Insider|

#endometriosis #entertainment #fertility

health1 month ago•15 min saved

Semen analysis as a routine health check for men sparks hype and skepticism

The piece explores the idea that routine semen analysis could serve as a broad biomarker for men’s health—potentially a “new Pap smear” that flags risks for metabolic, cardiovascular, and cancer conditions. Startups are offering mail-in and at-home testing to tap a growing market, while medical experts caution that there is insufficient evidence that broad semen screening improves health outcomes, and warn of logistical, ethical, and equity concerns and possible overdiagnosis.

via statnews.com|

#biomarker #fertility #health