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

Abstract

Research question: What level of awareness do young adults have regarding the potential impacts of gym lifestyle factors and supplementation on male infertility? Design: Between 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. Results: The 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. Conclusions: This 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.