This is more relevant than you might think. The sperm concentration of males has halved in the last five decades. It is more marked from the year 2000 to the present. This phenomenon is repeated in a similar way in the five continents. It is an international study by the University of Murcia (Spain) that says it: there are fewer and fewer spermatozoa.
The study kicked off in 2017 focused on male fertility problems in Europe, Australia and North America. It was then extended worldwide. Similar data were extracted everywhere. These are data from 53 countries. The average concentration of 101 million per milliliter dropped to 49 million. This happened between 1973 and now.
Sign of disease
Since 200, the reduction accelerated. The causes of this reduction in sperm concentration are not known. Hagai Levine, principal investigator, launches a theory. Alterations in the reproductive tract in fetal life affect fertility. “Certain lifestyle habits and chemical compounds affect fetal development.”
“Fertility is also an indicator of male health status. Low levels are associated with risk of chronic diseases and testicular cancer.” These low sperm counts are related to other adverse trends. It is called testicular dysgenesis syndrome. They include increased tendency to pathologies such as testicular cancer and genital birth defects.
Professor Alberto Torres, professor at UMU adds something else. “Several epidemiological studies prove it. The decreased sperm concentration would be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis. Also with cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbances, etc.”.
Risk to humanity
Mendiola adds that this sperm decline reflects a global crisis. There are fewer and fewer spermatozoa in the world. And this is related to the current degradation of the environment and the stressful pace of life in society. It has broad implications for the survival of the human species.
Thus, for the study leader, “We have a serious problem on our hands. If unmitigated, it could threaten the survival of humanity.” What is needed? “An urgent call for global action. We must promote a healthier environment for all species. And reduce exposures and behaviors that threaten our reproductive health.”
