Hi everyone,
Here is something about the sperm count in the west falling by 60% in the last 40 years.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/sperm-count-west-men-health-drop-60-per-cent-years-modern-life-a7859491.html***********
Sperm counts have plunged by nearly 60 per cent in just 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, hormone-disrupting chemicals, diet, stress, smoking and obesity have all been “plausibly associated” with the problem, which is associated with a range of other illnesses such as testicular cancer and a generally increased mortality rate.
The researchers who carried out the review said the rate of decline had showed no sign of “levelling off” in recent years.
The same trend was not seen in other parts of the world such as South America, Africa and Asia, although the scientists said fewer studies had been carried out there.
One expert commenting on the study said it was the “most comprehensive to date”, and described the figures as “shocking” and a “wake-up call” for urgent research into the reasons driving the fall.
“Therefore, sperm count may sensitively reflect the impacts of the modern environment on male health throughout the life course.”
Chemicals linked to lowering sperm count include some used to make plastics more flexible and flame retardants used in furniture. These can enter the food chain after they are taken in by plants or eaten by animals.
A diet high in alcohol, caffeine, processed meat, soy and potatoes may also have an adverse effect on male fertility.
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Do you think psychological factors such as decline in male dominance and changes in male/female interactions and roles could also be factors contributing to the reduction of sperm count?
Cheers.
Sriram
