We’ve all heard of the popular phrase, “canaries in the coal mine” as a harbinger of potential danger. Well, a new study has found that semen quality can be a canary in the coal mine when it comes to life expectancy for men. 

The new study suggested that, “subgroups of men with impaired semen quality who are apparently healthy when their semen quality is assessed, but who are at increased risk of developing certain diseases later in life.” 

Meaning, even if you as a man are feeling healthy, your semen quality can still point to potential diseases that could develop later in life. That’s why Dr. Russel Williams and his team at The Y Factor are so focused on fertility evaluations for men in Houston. These evaluations, which are typically conducted when the men are relatively young, serve as an opportunity for detecting and mitigating the risks of other health problems in the long term.

So what do we look for in semen quality? Any factors (genetic, immunological, metabolic, environmental or lifestyle) that enhance overall levels of oxidative stress, could reasonably be expected to drive changes in the semen profile and subsequent patterns of mortality. 

The Y Factor adheres to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and American Urological Association guidelines of, “Men with one or more abnormal semen parameters or presumed male infertility should be evaluated by a male reproductive expert for complete history and physical examination as well as other directed tests when indicated.” 

Schedule your consultation now with our male reproductive experts at The Y Factor so we can help you determine if you have any semen quality issues. The Y Factor accepts all major insurances and our team can help you determine what your copay/fees will be to see us in our Houston clinic. 

References: 

1. Priskorn L, Lindahl-Jacobsen R, Jensen TK, et al. Semen quality and lifespan: a study of 78 284 men followed for up to 50 years. Hum Reprod. 2025:deaf023.doi:10.1093/humrep/deaf023
2. Better semen quality is linked to men living longer. News release. European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. March 4, 2025. Accessed March 5, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1075497
3. Aitken RJ. Spermatozoa as harbingers of mortality: the curious link between semen quality and life expectancy. Hum Reprod. 2025:deaf027.doi:10.1093/humrep/deaf027

Russel H. Williams, MD

Dr. Russel H. Williams is the founder, CEO and CMO of The Y Factor and brings more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Williams earned his Medical Degree at the University of Texas at Dallas Southwestern Medical Center, where he graduated at the top of his class. He completed his urology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, then completed a male reproductive medicine and microsurgery visiting fellowship at the New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Williams is an active member of the American Urological Association, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and peers recognize him as one of only a handful of Reproductive Urologists focusing on men’s urological wellness & fertility.