An international group of scientists analyzed data of 43 000 men of several dozen industrialized countries and discovered that sperm count dropped by more than half for almost four decades.
Shanna Swan, a reproductive epidemiologist at the medical school of new York hospital Mount Sinai, which helped conduct the study published in the journal Human Reproduction Update, says that such results are a reason to think about the future.
What’s the point?
Previous scientific investigations have shown that the sperm count may fall around the world. This study is the largest and most comprehensive to date. It was intended to dispel doubts as to the results of earlier works.
Even with the lower sperm count in men, infertility in the moment is not a widespread problem. However, there are no signs of slowing down this decline, and this means that in the future, male infertility may become truly catastrophic proportions.
Scientific basis
To create a completely objective scientific picture, the researchers studied scientific literature in search of works, which examined the number and concentration of sperm. They checked more than 7,000 studies, with the exception of those where were inaccuracies and disadvantages. The researchers then analyzed data collected in 185 studies 42 935 men who provided semen samples during the period from 1973 to 2011 in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Thus, we see that the study material was more than impressive.
The analysis revealed a General decrease in sperm concentration at 52.4 per cent and a decrease in the total number of sperm at 59,3% for the period of 39 years. We specify that the concentration of sperm is a measure that determines how many million sperm is in a milliliter of semen. The total number of sperm concentration multiplied by the volume of the sample.
Scientists call such a picture is extremely disturbing, and it’s not just the increase in cases of infertility and falling birthrates. Reduced sperm count is associated with increased risk of premature death. In addition, it can be a marker for other health problems.
The next step is to identify the cause
Despite the fullness of a recent study, scientists emphasize the need for further work in this area to determine the possible cause of this phenomenon. Although no one knows why the number of spermatozoa and their concentration can fall, there are several theories on this. One factor influencing the indicator may be effects of chemicals on the fetus during pregnancy that can potentially harm the normal development of the reproductive system of boys.
Some scholars say that the problems faced by many couples when they are trying to have a baby, can be avoided if the couple start to plan a pregnancy a few years earlier. Other possible reasons for a decrease in the number of sperm is called obesity, stress and modern lifestyle.
