Men who abstain from ejaculating for long periods could be affecting the quality of the sperm and consequently may reduce conception.

In a study conducted at Soroka University it was found that abstaining for periods longer then 2 days affected quality the of sperm in some men. Dr Levitas divided the men into two groups, those with normal sperm count and those with low sperm counts. The effects were noted in the ability of the sperm to penetrate the egg, which is measured by the acrosome index and the motility of the sperm. In the group with normal sperm count, an adverse effect on the sperms ability to penetrate the egg was shown after 5 days of abstinence. The motility was affected after 11 days. In the group of men with low sperm counts, a noticeable reduction in both motility and ability to penetrate the egg was noticed after 2 days of abstinence. Therefore, shorter periods of abstinence seem to be indicated.