Objective: To evaluate the effects of long abstinence periods on semen characteristics.
Design: Semen analysis was performed on six men after various sexual abstinence periods (from 2 to 18 days). The variations in semen parameters were analyzed statistically as a function of the duration of abstinence.
Setting: The Reproductive Biology Laboratory at the University of Montpellier Medical School.
Results: Lengthy sexual abstinence was found to affect all semen characteristics. Semen volume and concentration and total sperm count showed significant increases, whereas motility and normal morphology decreased significantly with duration of abstinence. Significant changes in the percentage of normal sperm forms were observed after more than seven days' abstinence.
Conclusion: The study indicates that the influence of long sexual abstinence on semen quality varies with the variable considered. With regard to fertility, a long abstinence period might induce senescence of spermatozoa.