Physical exercise at high altitude is associated with a testicular dysfunction leading to reduced sperm concentration but healthy sperm quality

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of physical exercise at high altitudes (HA) on male reproductive system.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Andrology Clinic, University of L'Aquila, Italy.

Patient(s): Seven male mountaineers involved in an expedition at 5,900 m.

Intervention(s): Semen analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation with flow cytometry, and reproductive hormone levels.

Main outcome measure(s): Hormone levels were evaluated at sea level (SL) at baseline (SL-pre), after 22 days of exercise at HA (intermediate), and after 10 days upon reaching SL (SL-post). Sperm parameters, percentage of sperm with fragmented DNA, and body composition measures were evaluated at SL-pre and at SL-post.

Result(s): A reduction of sperm concentration, of body mass index (BMI), of waist circumference, and of percentage of body fat was observed at SL-post compared with SL-pre values. Increased levels of FSH and PRL were observed at the intermediate point, and normalized at SL-post, whereas T was higher at SL-post compared with SL-pre levels.

Conclusion(s): Physical exercise at HA is associated with a testicular dysfunction leading to a reduced sperm concentration probably through an altered spermiation. The improved body composition after physical exercise might explain the higher T levels observed after the expedition.