You might have to set your alarm if you’re serious about having a baby, because scientists have found couples should have sex before 7:30am if they want to increase their chances.
The study conducted at the University Hospital Zurich, found sperm have their own 24-hour internal clock – and they are most alive in the early hours of the morning.
The Swiss researchers also found that sperm is of its healthiest size and shape to fertilise an egg during the spring season.
IVF - What you need to know
The scientists analysed the semen samples from 7,068 men, aged between 25 and 40, who were undergoing fertility treatment.
These samples were then checked for sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology.
The results, published in the journal Chronobiology International, found samples that were collected in the early morning, before 7.30am, showed the highest levels of concentration and normal morphology.
Furthermore, semen collected in the European spring months of March, April and May, had the greatest concentration of sperm, and saw a significant decrease during the summer months.
“Male semen quality varies with both circadian and circannual rhythms,” said the study’s lead author Dr Brigitte Leeners.
“Collection of semen in the early morning, where semen quality was highest, can be used to improve natural fertility.”
She also noted that the findings could also be used to boost the chances of conceiving through fertility treatments.
According to IVF Australia, infertility affects approximately one in six Australian couples of reproductive age. Although there are many and varied causes involved with infertility, in 40 per cent of couples, the cause is attributed to a sperm factor.
While fertility experts worldwide welcomed the study’s findings, they did warn the evidence collected could be conflicting, and couples tyring to conceive should still consult an expert about it.
The study conducted at the University Hospital Zurich, found sperm have their own 24-hour internal clock – and they are most alive in the early hours of the morning.
The Swiss researchers also found that sperm is of its healthiest size and shape to fertilise an egg during the spring season.
IVF - What you need to know
The scientists analysed the semen samples from 7,068 men, aged between 25 and 40, who were undergoing fertility treatment.
These samples were then checked for sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, and normal morphology.
The results, published in the journal Chronobiology International, found samples that were collected in the early morning, before 7.30am, showed the highest levels of concentration and normal morphology.
Furthermore, semen collected in the European spring months of March, April and May, had the greatest concentration of sperm, and saw a significant decrease during the summer months.
“Male semen quality varies with both circadian and circannual rhythms,” said the study’s lead author Dr Brigitte Leeners.
“Collection of semen in the early morning, where semen quality was highest, can be used to improve natural fertility.”
She also noted that the findings could also be used to boost the chances of conceiving through fertility treatments.
According to IVF Australia, infertility affects approximately one in six Australian couples of reproductive age. Although there are many and varied causes involved with infertility, in 40 per cent of couples, the cause is attributed to a sperm factor.
While fertility experts worldwide welcomed the study’s findings, they did warn the evidence collected could be conflicting, and couples tyring to conceive should still consult an expert about it.
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