THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON SEMEN QUALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.3(51).2026.6543Keywords:
Depression, Depressive Disorder, Semen Quality, Semen Analysis, Sperm CountAbstract
Objective: Depression is characterized by low or depressed mood, anhedonia, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, lack of energy, fatigue, appetite changes, psychomotor retardation, sleep disturbances, or suicidal thoughts. Despite numerous studies analyzing the epidemiology, symptomatology, and treatment of depression, the impact on men’s reproductive health, semen quality, and procreation requires further research. This review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge about the impact of depression on semen parameters and quality.
Methods: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for studies. The search included original articles published from January 2017 to December 2026. Only studies in English and with full-text access were considered. Inclusion criteria focused on original research assessing depressive disorder, semen quality, and semen analysis. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively.
Key Findings: Depression significantly affects semen parameters and quality, causing a reduction in sperm motility, sperm density, and sperm concentration.
Conclusion: Depression has an impact on semen quality and reproductive health. This review highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing sexual dysfunction alongside psychological symptoms, as well as the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of depression. In the end, Further research and deeper investigation are necessary to fully examine the complex impacts of depression on semen quality, even though these collective studies demonstrate a strong correlation between mental health and fertility.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hubert Kulawinek, Aleksandra Mliczek, Julia Obersztyn, Adrianna Szczecińska, Wiktoria Glanert, Krzysztof Maksym Kasparek , Grzegorz Kasparek, Jakub Maksymilian Bajer, Marta Czech , Piotr Mrozek
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