Excess fat in the blood impairs sperm quality

Fat is one of the important elements needed by the human body. Fat has an important role in metabolic processes in the body, including as a constituent of several cell structures and as a source of energy for the body.

Fat intake is needed in a balanced amount so that it can play an optimal role. Excess fat in the blood has many side effects, for example triggering heart disease and blood vessels. However, did you know that high blood fat levels can reduce male fertility?

What is the relationship between fat and sperm?

In the digestive tract, fat or lipids will be broken down into several elements such as cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good fats), LDL (bad fats), and others. Some parts of this fat have an effect that decreases the activity of sperm production and sex hormones.

Hypercholesterolemia (excess cholesterol levels in the blood), for example, interferes with the activity of cells responsible for providing nutrients to sperm. In addition, excess cholesterol can also reduce the activity of testosterone, the main sex hormone in men.

High cholesterol in the blood has a tendency to form free radicals in the body. Free radicals are harmful substances that damage sperm and can interfere with the maturation process of sperm in the testes.

A study also concluded that hypertriglyceridemia (excess levels of triglycerides in the blood) can have a negative effect on the number and motility of sperm cells. In addition, high levels of fat in the blood can lead to obesity or excess body weight. The condition of obesity also contributes to decreased sperm quality.

How does excess fat interfere with sperm quality?

Semen volume

A study from China revealed that increasing levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL in the blood can reduce the volume of seminal fluid. Ideally, in one ejaculation a man will produce about 1.5 milliliters of semen containing sperm cells.

Sperm count

In male semen, there are sperm cells that are responsible for fertilization. The normal number of sperm in one milliliter of semen is 15 million cells. This amount is needed so that the possibility of fertilization with a woman's egg is greater.

Excess fat in the blood, especially cholesterol, can cause a decrease in the number of sperm cells resulting in a state of oligozoospermia, which is the number of sperm that is too little.

The morphology or shape of the sperm head

The head is an important structure of a sperm cell. The reason is, the head of the sperm contains enzymes to fertilize a woman's egg and there is genetic information from men which will be passed on to the baby. Thus, disturbances in morphology or head shape can reduce male fertility.

Until now, there is no standard reference regarding the safe limits for these various types of fat so that it is safe for the male reproductive system. However, it would be better if you always eat a variety of food ingredients in a balanced manner accompanied by adequate physical activity. Don't hesitate to always check your blood fat levels regularly so that efforts to prevent further disease can be planned.