Gym lifestyle factors and male reproductive health: a study into young adult usage and perceptions

Abstract

Research questionWhat level of awareness do young adults have regarding the potential impacts of gym lifestyle factors and supplementation on male infertility? DesignBetween February and March 2023 a questionnaire (n = 153) was employed to gauge attitudes to and awareness of the effects of male reproductive health and gym lifestyles on male fertility. Two semi-structured focus groups (n = 10 total), stratified by sex assigned at birth, were conducted using a set of discussion topics. ResultsThe survey revealed a statistically significant difference between male and female awareness of the potential impacts of some forms of high-intensity exercise and protein supplementation on male reproductive health (P = 0.045). Many men do not think about fertility unprompted; the survey revealed that fewer men have thought about their fertility compared with those who are curious about their fertility (P = 4.7 × 10–5) and those who believe their personal fertility is important to them (P = 8.1 × 10–6). Men were more likely to make a change in their behaviour if it had a long-term compared with a short-term effect on their fertility (P < 10–5). Five focus group themes surrounding awareness of male reproductive health were extracted. ConclusionsThis work has shown that there is a significant lack of awareness and information surrounding the effects of gym lifestyles on male infertility in a young adult UK population. Crucially, levels of awareness differ significantly between men and women. Men have a potentially alarming lack of concern over their own fertility and how factors such as gym supplements can have negative long-term impacts.