Stress impact on sperm — and more headlines

Medical Watch Digest for September 11

Stress impact on sperm

It may be easier to conceive after a stressful event.

It’s a surprising finding from the University of Colorado, stress makes sperm stronger.

It doesn’t happen during stress but shortly after. Researchers believe the enhanced sperm motility following a difficult period is due to evolution, increasing birth rates following challenging times like a pandemic.

Increased sperm motility aids in conception as sperm moves more quickly through the female reproductive system to fertilize an egg.

Study: Quitting smoking reduces risk of atrial fibrillation irregular heart rhythm

There are plenty of health consequences to smoking and now doctors say they found the habit can alter heart rhythm.

The American College of Cardiology reveals smoking cigarettes increases the risk for atrial fibrillation.

The good news is the condition can be reversed.

Researchers found quitting cigarettes benefits the heart reducing the threat of the dangerous irregular heart rhythm within weeks.

Atrial fibrillation causes fatigue, heart palpitations trouble breathing and dizziness.

Study: Antibiotics contribute to IBD risk

Early antibiotics can wreak havoc on the gut for a lifetime.

The Journal Science Advances reports how antibiotics increase the risk for inflammatory bowel diseases.

The drugs, given for early infections, interfere with the protective mucus layer in the intestines.
IBD which includes Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis is a debilitating condition as the mucosal layer, which is a critical barrier between the gut and the immune system erodes.

The exact cause is unknown.

This is among several large studies linking antibiotic use and development of IBD.