It apparently turns out, virtual reality headsets can do more than simply allow users to immerse themselves in a virtual world…
According to a new scientific study published by Cryos International Sperm and Egg Bank, the use of VR headsets during sperm donation can increase sperm quality.
The sperm and egg bank introduced VR headsets in its donor cabins as an optional add-on for donors in 2021 but was unaware of the positive effect that VR headsets had on the higher sperm quality for samples delivered by donors who wore them.
Cryos International CEO, Helle Sejersen Myrthue commented, “We are excited that our introduction of VR headsets has had a positive impact on the sperm samples our donors deliver. It is simply fantastic! In addition to making more high-quality sperm for our customers, we also see an interesting future of VR studies for men who want to freeze and store their own sperm before cancer treatments, military service, and more.”
After examining more than 500 samples from over 60 sperm donors, the bank’s result showed that sperm quality was higher amongst donors who used VR headsets.
For instance, Business Wire reported that when a donor visited Cryos twice with an average of 14 hours in between visits and the VR headset was used, the samples showed close to a 50% increase in motile (alive and active) sperm cells. In cases where visits were up to 58 hours apart, there was a traceable, positive effect seen in the quality of the sperm samples.
The study was carried out in partnership with internationally recognized scientists Alan Pacey and Robert Montgomerie. You can view the complete study details at Bio Med Central.
Isa Muhammad is a writer and video game journalist covering many aspects of entertainment media including the film industry. He's steadily writing his way to the sharp end of journalism and enjoys staying informed. If he's not reading, playing video games or catching up on his favourite TV series, then he's probably writing about them.
