Effects of long and short ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters: a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of ejaculatory abstinence on sperm parameters. Methods: This analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023472124). We performed a search on PubMed using the following text terms: (("sperm parameters" OR "sperm analysis" [Mesh]) AND ("sperm DNA fragmentation" OR "DNA fragmentation" [Mesh]) AND ("sexual abstinence" [Mesh] OR "abstinence")) and an advanced search in Scopus using the terms ("sperm parameters" OR "sperm parameters" OR "DNA fragmentation") AND ("abstinence"). The sperm parameters that were investigated were sperm volume, total sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A two-day cut-off as a "short" or "long" abstinence period has been defined. Results: Thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. A total of 2,315 patients, ranging from 6 to 836 from each cohort, were enrolled in the study. We showed that longer abstinence time was associated with greater sperm concentration (mean difference [MD]: 8.19; p <0.01), sperm volume (MD: 0.96; p <0.01), and higher SDF (MD: 3.46; p <0.01), but lower progressive sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p <0.01). Otherwise, no statistically significant difference was observed in patients with longer vs. shorter abstinence times regarding total sperm motility (MD: -1.83; p = 0.06). Meta-regression analysis showed that days of abstinence were positively and linearly related to sperm concentration (slope: 3.74; p <0.01) and SDF (slope: 0.65; p = 0.044). Conclusions: According to our data, short ejaculatory abstinence is associated with better sperm quality. Indeed, a higher percentage of progressive sperm motility and lower levels of SDF have been reported in a short abstinence cohort. In contrast, the long abstinence group reported a higher sperm concentration. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023472124.

Modified holmium laser enucleation for benign prostatic obstruction to preserve sexual and ejaculatory function.

INTRODUCTION: To report ejaculatory and urinary results in patients who underwent holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) with selective laser enucleation of the median lobe (MLHoLEP). METHODS: Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) who underwent MLHoLEP to preserve ejaculatory function in a single center were retrospectively identified. Urinary function was assessed using International Prostate Score Symptom (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of Life index (IPSS-QoL), peak urinary flow (Qmax) and postvoid residual (PVR). Erectile function was assessed using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). In patients with preoperative antegrade ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation was routinely screened at each follow-up visit. Sexual and urinary functions at 3 and 12 months were compared with baseline values. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients met our inclusion criteria. A significant improvement in the IPSS, IPSS-QoL, PVR and Qmax was found at 3 and 12 months, compared with baseline (all P<0.05). Eight patients (14.5%) required surgical reintervention due to persistant LUTS/BPO. No significant changes in the erectile function were found at 3 (P=0.3) and 12 months (P>0.9). In patients with preoperative antegrade ejaculation (n=32), only four cases of de novo retrograde ejaculation were recorded postoperatively. CONCLUSION: MLHoLEP represents a new alternative for men with LUTS/BPO who wish to preserve their ejaculatory function. Patients should be aware that improvement in urinary function may be inferior to the traditional technique, with a higher reintervention rate due to persistent LUTS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Grade 4.

Male allocation to ejaculation and mating effort imposes different life history trade-offs.

When males compete, sexual selection favors reproductive traits that increase their mating or fertilization success (pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection). It is assumed that males face a trade-off between these 2 types of sexual traits because they both draw from the same pool of resources. Consequently, allocation into mate acquisition or ejaculation should create similar trade-offs with other key life history traits. Tests of these assumptions are exceedingly rare. Males only ejaculate after they mate, and the costs of ejaculation are therefore highly confounded with those of mating effort. Consequently, little is known about how each component of reproductive allocation affects a male's future performance. Here, we ran an experiment using a novel technique to distinguish the life history costs of mating effort and ejaculation for mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). We compared manipulated males (mate without ejaculation), control males (mate and ejaculate), and naïve males (neither mate nor ejaculate) continuously housed with a female and 2 rival males. We assessed their growth, somatic maintenance, mating and fighting behavior, and sperm traits after 8 and 16 weeks. Past mating effort significantly lowered a male's future mating effort and growth, but not his sperm production, while past sperm release significantly lowered a male's future ejaculate quantity, but not his mating effort. Immune response was the only trait impacted by both past mating effort and past ejaculation. These findings challenge the assumption that male reproductive allocation draws from a common pool of resources to generate similar life history costs later in life. Instead, we provide clear evidence that allocation into traits under pre- and postcopulatory sexual selection have different trait-specific effects on subsequent male reproductive performance.

Reproductive outcomes in patients with high levels of sperm DNA fragmentation using testicular sperm for intracytoplasmic injection: a retrospective analysis.

This study aims to compare the embryological and clinical parameters of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using testicular versus ejaculated sperm in male patients with elevated sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). A total of 73 ICSI cycles were examined in couples where the male partner exhibited high levels of SDF. ICSI was performed using either ejaculated or testicular sperm. The primary outcomes were rates of blastocyst formation, high-quality embryo development, and clinical pregnancy. The DNA fragmentation index (DFI) for testicular sperm (16.81 ± 17.51) was significantly lower than that of ejaculated sperm (56.96 ± 17.56). While the blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher in the testicular sperm group compared to the ejaculated sperm group, no statistically significant differences were noted in fertilization rate (72.15% vs. 77.23%), rate of high-quality embryo formation (47.17% vs. 46.53%), clinical pregnancy (50% vs. 56.52%), Cumulative pregnancy (70.2% vs. 55.6%), or live birth rate (43.75% vs.43.48%). Testicular spermatozoa have no additional advantage over ejaculated spermatozoa except for blastocyst quality in patients with high SDF, the use of testicular spermatozoa for the first ICSI cycle in male infertility patients with high SDF should be undertaken after much consideration at present.

Is bulbospongiosus muscle botox injection safe and effective in treating lifelong premature ejaculation? Randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of botulinum-A toxin injections into the bulbospongiosus muscle for cases of lifelong drug-resistant premature ejaculation (PE). METHODS: Ninety-eight outpatients diagnosed with lifelong PE were randomly assigned to two groups: the botulinum-A toxin group comprising forty-nine patients and the placebo (saline) group also consisting of forty-nine patients. A 100 U botulinum-A toxin was diluted into 10 cc of saline, with 5 cc injected into one side of the muscle (botulinum-A toxin group) guided by ultrasound to distribute across most muscle fibers. The same technique was applied using the same volume of saline injected into the bulbospongiosus muscle. Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), scores from the premature ejaculation profile (PEP), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and recording of any complications were obtained. Follow-ups occurred at 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-procedure. RESULTS: Cases receiving injections of botulinum-A toxin into the bulbospongiosus muscle showed notably extended intravaginal ejaculatory latency times compared to their initial performance after treatment. In addition, there were enhancements in PEP scores, and notably, no significant complications were reported. Conversely, the bilateral injection of saline into the bulbospongiosus muscle did not demonstrate any impact on ejaculation latencies. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the injection of botulinum-A toxin into the bulbospongiosus muscle can serve as a safe and effective option for treating PE. Nonetheless, its clinical application warrants further studies involving larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

The correlation between human seminal plasma sialoproteins and ejaculate parameters.

Sialic acids are negatively charged carbohydrates that are components of saccharide chains covalently linked to macromolecules. Sialylated glycoproteins are important for most biological processes, including reproduction, where they are associated with spermatogenesis, sperm motility, immune responses, and fertilization. Changes in the glycoprotein profile or sialylation in glycoproteins are likely to affect the quality of ejaculate. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the degree of sialylation between normozoospermic ejaculates and ejaculates with a pathological spermiogram using two lectins, Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAL II/MAA) recognizing α-2,6 or α-2,3 linkage of Sia to galactosyl residues. Our results show a close relationship between seminal plasma (SP) sialoproteins and the presence of anti-sperm antibodies in the ejaculate, apoptotic spermatozoa, and ejaculate quality. Using mass spectrometry, we identified SP sialoproteins such as, semenogelins, glycodelin, prolactin-inducible protein, lactotransferrin, and clusterin that are associated with spermatozoa and contribute to the modulation of the immune response and sperm apoptosis. Our findings suggest a correlation between the degree of SP glycoprotein sialylation and the existence of possible pathological states of spermatozoa and reproductive organs. Glycoproteins sialylation represents a potential parameter reflecting the overall quality of ejaculate and could potentially be utilised in diagnostics.

Antegrade ejaculation preservation in surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia: quest for balance between voiding and sexual function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) carries a significant risk of ejaculation dysfunction. Preservation of antegrade ejaculation while providing effective, well tolerated, and durable treatment of BPH is a paramount component of physical and sexual well being for significant number of men. We reviewed available literature with an aim of providing status on antegrade ejaculation preserving BPH surgical therapies. RECENT FINDINGS: Minimally invasive surgical therapies for BPH have been developed over the last decade, with significant marketing emphasis on their potential for preservation of antegrade ejaculation. However, the question about durability of relief of bladder outlet obstruction remains. Parallel to this technological development, the understanding of anatomical structures involved in ejaculation have resulted in technical modifications of well established surgical treatments modalities like transurethral resection of prostate, endoscopic enucleation of prostate and simple prostatectomy, thereby providing safe and durable relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to BPH with a satisfactory preservation of antegrade ejaculation. SUMMARY: Preservation of antegrade ejaculation is an important goal for significant number of men needing BPH surgery. Novel minimally invasive surgical technologies have been developed for this purpose; but understanding of the anatomical structures essential for antegrade ejaculation have allowed technical modification of existing surgical techniques with excellent preservation of antegrade ejaculation.

Ejaculatory and erectile function outcomes following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

PURPOSE: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is a surgical treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Many men develop retrograde ejaculation postprocedure, but there is conflicting evidence regarding sexual function outcomes post-HoLEP. We sought to examine significant variations in patient-reported erectile and ejaculatory function within 12 months post-HoLEP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study for patients who underwent HoLEP between Nov 2018 and Feb 2022. Of the reviewed patients, 277 patients met inclusion criteria and completed pre and postoperative questionnaires, which included the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire- Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EJD) and the International Index of Erectile Function/Sexual Health Inventory for Men (IIEF-5/SHIM). Surveys were provided to patients up to 12 months postprocedure. Demographics and comorbidities associated with sexual dysfunction were collected. Responses to each question were analyzed to detect sub-categorical variations in sexual function as the secondary objective. Data was analyzed by using a linear mixed model. RESULTS: There was a significant decline in total scores for the MSHQ-EJD (8.70 pre-HoLEP vs. 6.58 post HoLEP, p ≤ 0.001) including a significant decline (p < 0.005) in questions 1-3 which assess ejaculatory ability, strength, and volume. There was not a significant decline in question 4 which assesses bother (2.552 pre-HoLEP vs. 3.119 post-HoLEP, p = 0.526). There was not a significant decline in the IIEF-5/SHIM postoperatively (11.51 pre-HoLEP vs. 13.327 post-HoLEP, p = 0.498). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing HoLEP do not experience a decline in erectile function. Patients do experience a decline in ejaculatory function but did not find this bothersome.

Abstinence for sperm sample collection and ART outcome: an unsubstantiated myth.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Semen analysis is a basic component of male evaluation. Reproductive centers typically instruct men to provide a semen specimen based on recommendations from WHO Standard for semen examination. Evidence that these recommendations optimize sperm reproductive capacity is lacking. Existing data to optimize sperm quality with shorter abstinence were reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent studies have reviewed the effects of shorter ejaculatory abstinence of semen quality and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. Shorter abstinence was defined as 1 h-1 day in one review, and <4 h in the other systematic meta-analysis and review. SUMMARY: Prior instructions for male patients have not been designed to optimize fertility potential for semen analyses. Optimal sperm quality is obtained by instructing men to have a short abstinence (certainly <1 day, and preferably <4 h) for semen specimens used for in vitro fertilization (assisted reproduction).

A single administration of carbetocin before electroejaculation increases the insemination doses produced from each ejaculate in rams.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of carbetocin administration (a long-acting analog of oxytocin) 20 or 10 min before electroejaculation (EE) on the duration of semen collection procedure, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, and stress biomarkers in rams. Semen was collected from 12 Corriedale rams (age, 2.5-5.5 years old) with EE, in a Latin-square design, administrating carbetocin (0.2 mg/100 kg of body weight i.v.) 20 or 10 min before EE, or without carbetocin administration (CB-20, CB-10, and CON treatments, respectively). Each treatment was applied to different rams every 3-4 days, allowing all the rams to receive all three treatments. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before EE increased the number of sperm ejaculated (P = 0.01), the semen concentration (P = 0.02), the number of insemination doses collected in a single collection (P = 0.01), and the number of insemination doses collected/electrical pulses administered (P = 0.05) compared to control rams. Carbetocin administered 20 or 10 min before semen collection prolonged the time required for EE and the number of pulses administered during EE compared to CON rams (P < 0.03 for both). The CB-10 rams required the administration of more electrical pulses during ejaculation than CON rams (P = 0.001), and CB-20 treatment tended to require more electrical pulses than CON rams (P = 0.06). The volume of the ejaculate was greater in CB-10 than in CON rams (P = 0.01), and that of CB-20 treatment tended to be greater than CON rams (P = 0.08). The percentage of sperm with intact membrane was greater in CB-20 than in CON rams (P = 0.01). Total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were lower immediately after carbetocin administration 20 or 10 min before EE. The treatments did not affect cortisol concentration, glycemia, rectal and surface temperatures, heart rate, and facial expressions. Carbetocin administration before EE of rams improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the ejaculate, duplicating the number of insemination doses collected. It can be a promising treatment to obtain a greater quantity of doses to inseminate with a lower frequency of semen collections, reducing the negative impacts of EE on animal welfare.

Evaluation of Current Surgical BPH Interventions for Young and Elderly Men.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects the quality of life of a significant number of men, especially as they age. There are continuous innovations in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but many of these innovations are studied in the core population of men 50-70 years of age. This review focuses on the outliers of men aged 18-50 and 70 and older. RECENT FINDINGS: Older populations have more comorbidities, higher rates of antithrombotic medications, and advanced symptoms. Properly selected older men can safely have significant objective and subjective improvement in their symptoms. The literature was scarce when evaluating younger men; however, ejaculatory preserving techniques are promising providing improvement in symptoms and preserving ejaculation. This review demonstrates that in properly selected elderly patients, improvements in quality of life while also providing safe surgical interventions can be achieved. Ejaculatory preservation techniques demonstrate promising results, but further studies are required to elucidate true outcomes.

Effect of Serum Vitamin B12 Levels on Premature Ejaculation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of vitamin B12 levels in the failure of the dapoxetine used in premature ejaculation (PE) treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Andrology Clinic, between May and December 2020. METHODOLOGY: Patients with premature ejaculation complaints completed the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaire. Patients were also asked to fill in the Premature Ejaculation Profile (PEP) surveys. Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) were recorded based on the estimates of patients. Serum vitamin B12 levels were evaluated based on blood samples. All patients were advised to use dapoxetine 30 mg, 1-3 hours prior to intercourse. After four weeks, patients were asked to complete the PEP questionnaire again. IELT times were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the study. A total of 39 patients (62.90%) were satisfied with the treatment of the dapoxetine. In comparison to patients who benefited from dapoxetine treatment and those who did not, vitamin B12 levels of patients who did not benefit from dapoxetine were found to be significantly lower (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Vitamin B12 deficiency can reduce the effectiveness of dapoxetine treatment in patients with PE. It is important to evaluate serum vitamin B12 levels for the evaluation of patients with PE. KEY WORDS: Premature ejaculation, Dapoxetine, Vitamin B12, Serotonin, Treatment.

Overactive bladder negatively affects erectile function and promotes premature ejaculation: findings from large representative population-level study.

PURPOSE: The effect of overactive bladder (OAB) on sexual health has been evaluated extensively for women but much less for men. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between OAB and men's sexual activity and the effect of OAB on erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in a large representative cohort of men at the population level. METHODS: This study was based on computer-assisted web interviews that used validated questionnaires. The most recent census and the sample size estimation calculations were employed to produce a population-representative pool. RESULTS: The study included 3001 men, representative of the population in terms of age and place of residence. The frequency of sexual intercourse was higher for respondents without OAB symptoms compared with persons who had OAB (p = 0.001), but there was no association between OAB symptoms and number of sexual partners (p = 0.754). Regression models did not confirm the effect of OAB on sexual activity (odds ratio 0.993, CI 0.974-1.013, p = 0.511). Both ED and PE were more prevalent in respondents with OAB symptoms compared with persons who lacked those symptoms (p < 0.001). Importantly, the effect of OAB on ED or PE was independent of age, comorbidities, and lifestyle habits (regression coefficients of 0.13 and 0.158 for ED and PE, respectively). CONCLUSION: Overactive bladder did not significantly affect men's sexual activity, but it significantly correlated with ED and PE. Our results suggest a need in daily clinical practice to screen for OAB symptoms for persons who report ED or PE.

The association of reproductive hormones, thyroid function, and vitamin levels with premature ejaculation: A prospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether serum hormone (testosterone, prolactin, gonadotropins, and thyroid hormones) and vitamin (vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D) levels are associated with premature ejaculation (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 126 patients with PE (lifelong PE [LPE] in 94 and acquired PE [APE] in 32) who presented to the urology outpatient clinic between April 2016 and January 2023 and 92 healthy men as a control group. The diagnosis of PE was based on the criteria defined by the International Society for Sexual Medicine. Serum total testosterone (TT), free and bioavailable testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, thyroxine (fT4), vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D levels were measured. RESULTS: Serum TT, fT4, and vitamin D levels were significantly higher in patients with PE than in the control group (p=0.022, p=0.002, and p=0.044, respectively). However, the serum vitamin B12 level was significantly lower in the PE group (p=0.021). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only vitamin B12 was found to be an independent risk factor for PE, with an estimated odds ratio of 0.997 (95% confidence interval 0.994-0.999, p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that lower vitamin B12 levels are associated with the presence of PE. Therefore, we believe that it would be beneficial to consider vitamin B12 levels in the evaluation of patients with PE.

Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence.

Prostate cancer, constituting a substantial portion of global cancer incidence and mortality, prompts a critical examination of potential modifiers, notably ejaculation frequency. This narrative review explores the complex relationship between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, addressing the paucity of consensus and the intricate interplay of factors. The evidence drawn from eleven studies with diverse methodologies reveals a complex understanding of this association. While some studies suggest an inverse correlation between ejaculation frequency and prostate cancer risk, signifying a potential protective effect, others present conflicting findings, necessitating a comprehensive exploration. Evidence synthesis underscores the importance of considering age, urinary health, and lifestyle factors in elucidating the ejaculation frequency-prostate cancer relationship. Notably, technological advancements, including machine learning models and genetic markers, enhance the precision of patient counselling and individualized care. In a clinical context, the findings emphasize the clinical relevance of incorporating sexual behavior into preventive strategies. Public health campaigns emerge as influential tools, breaking taboos, raising awareness, and empowering men to prioritize their well-being. The paradigm shift in prostate cancer understanding, fueled by technology and personalized medicine, holds promise for more accurate risk assessments. Liquid biopsies, multiparametric MRI, and considerations of the gut microbiome present avenues for tailored preventive strategies. However, methodological challenges and study variations necessitate further research, emphasizing consistency, exploring underlying mechanisms, and a life course perspective.

Penile vibratory stimulation in men with spinal cord injury: an educational video demonstration.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the different techniques used to perform successful penile vibratory stimulation (PVS) to induce ejaculation in men with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). DESIGN: A video demonstration of the PVS procedure performed in men with SCIs using the FertiCare 2.0 medical vibrator. SETTING: Major University Medical Center. PATIENTS: Men with SCIs. INTERVENTION(S): Spinal cord injury is the leading cause of anejaculation in young men. After SCIs, most of these men will need a method of assisted ejaculation to achieve biological fatherhood. In this study, a newly designed and tested vibrator (FertiCare 2.0) was used to induce ejaculation. The initial assessment of each patient included a standard history, physical examination, level of injury determination using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury as well as assessment of the hip flexor reflex and the bulbocavernosus reflex. Patients with a level of injury at or rostral to T6 were pretreated with 10-40 mg of sublingual nifedipine to manage autonomic dysreflexia. A single vibrator was applied to the dorsum, or frenulum, of the glans penis. Stimulation is delivered in 2-minute increments to a maximum of 10 minutes per visit. Application of two vibrators or abdominal electrical stimulation concurrently with PVS was used in select patients. Ejaculated semen was collected in a sterile cup and examined after liquefaction. Bladder preparation using sperm wash medium was performed in patients suspected of experiencing retrograde ejaculation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful ejaculation after performing the PVS procedure in men with SCIs. RESULTS: Penile vibratory stimulation was successful in 86% of men whose level of injury was T10 or rostral. The total motile sperm count in antegrade ejaculates produced using PVS was >5 million (lower limit considered for intrauterine insemination) in 71% of ejaculates. No complications because of PVS were observed in 3,700 trials performed by our group and none in the patients presented in this video. CONCLUSION(S): Penile vibratory stimulation is a safe and effective method for the management of ejaculatory dysfunction in men with SCIs. Penile vibratory stimulation can be performed by the male partner after an initial evaluation by a specialized provider, and the ejaculate can be used to perform home insemination.

Sexual behaviour of young rams is improved and less stressful after intranasal administration of oxytocin.

The aim of this study was to determine if intranasal administration of oxytocin modifies sexual behaviour and the stress response in young rams during sexual tests with ewes in oestrus. Ten rams were used in a cross-over design. At Day 0, the control group (CG, n = 5) received isotonic saline spray intranasally, and the treated group (OTG, n = 5) received oxytocin (24 IU) intranasally, 40 min before the sexual test. At Day 15, the groups were reversed. In each sexual test (20 min) with an oestrous-induced ewe, the sexual behaviour of the young rams was recorded. Serum cortisol concentrations were determined before and after the test. Less flehmen was observed in the OTG, but mounts with ejaculation were increased. The OTG presented lower serum cortisol concentration than the CG. In conclusion, intranasal administration of oxytocin modified the sexual behaviour of rams, evidenced by a decrease in flehmen behaviour and an increase in mounts with ejaculation, making sexual activity more efficacious. In addition, the treatment decreased the stress response of the rams in the sexual tests. Therefore, intranasal administration of oxytocin could be used to increase sexual activity in rams, and with less stress, providing better welfare conditions.