The researchers reported that sperm count is an indicator not only of human fertility but also of men’s health, and low levels are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease, ovarian cancer and decreased lifespan.
He said that this decline reflects the global crisis related to modern environment and lifestyle, which has a wide impact on the survival of the human species.
The study, published Tuesday in the journal Human Reproduction Update, used data from 53 countries. It also includes an additional collection of data over seven years (2011–2018) and focuses on sperm counts in men in regions that have never been reviewed before, such as South America, Asia and Africa.
The data showed that men living in these regions experienced declines in total sperm count (TSC) and sperm concentration previously observed in North America, Europe and Australia.
Hegai Levin, professor at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, told PTI, “India is part of this larger trend. With good data available in India, we can say with more certainty that there has been a significant drop in sperm count, but this has been observed worldwide.
“Overall we’re seeing a decline of more than 50 percent in sperm counts worldwide over the last 46 years, and this has accelerated in recent years,” Levine said.
Although the current study did not address the causes of the decline in sperm count, Levine said that disruption of reproductive tract development during fetal life is associated with a lifelong loss of fertility.
Lenin said, “Chemicals in the lifestyle and environment are adversely affecting this development of the fetus.”
Shana Swan, Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine in the US, said that a drop in sperm count not only affects men’s fertility, but also has more serious implications for men’s health.
