Declining sperm count in the West
SPERM counts have plunged by nearly 60% in just more than 40 years among men living in the West, according to a major review of scientific studies that suggests the modern world is causing serious damage to men’s health.
Pesticides, hormonedisrupting chemicals, diet, stress, smoking and obesity have all been “plausibly associated” with the problem.
One expert said the study was the most comprehensive to date, and described the figures as shocking and a “wake-up call” that should prompt further research into the area.
A review of 185 studies found the average sperm count of a man from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand had fallen by 59.3% between 1973 and 2011, with a steeper decline since 1995.
But no significant decline was seen in men from South America and Asia.
Dr Hagai Levine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who led the research, said: “Given the importance of sperm counts for male fertility and health, this study is an urgent wake-up call for researchers and health authorities to investigate the causes of the sharp ongoing drop in sperm count, with the goal of prevention.”
Many plastics contain chemicals thought to block enzymes that are important for testosterone production, such as bisphenol A, which is found in baby bottles, plastic plates and the linings of food and drink cans. – The Independent and Daily Mail