2023-10-18 12:09:30
A consortium of 25 experts and scientists – working in the field of fertility studies – revealed recommendations for governments and international health organizations that might help in the context of an increasing crisis related to male fertility around the world.
According to the research review – published by this team in the journal “Nature Review Urology” – infertility now affects one in every 6 couples of childbearing age.
An extensive study that included samples from almost all continents of the world was issued in 2022, indicating that male fertility rates are on the way to decline. Over the past 50 years, the rate of decline in sperm concentration has increased in 57,000 people from 53 countries, from 1.2% annually in the 1990s. , to 2.6% annually following 2000.
Overall, according to that study, the decline rates reached 50% during the period from the early 1970s to now.
the bell of danger
The team of experts says – in a press release issued by the Canadian University of Montreal, which participated in the study – that the rapid decline in men’s fertility cannot be explained by genetic factors only, but also by environmental factors, which they consider to be the main driving force for the accelerated rates of decline in men’s fertility, such as environmental pollution, obesity, malnutrition, and stress. And smoking in all its forms.
The study adds that low semen quality is not the only problem facing men currently, but also an increase in the incidence of testicular cancer and birth defects in the genitourinary system, which indicates that male reproductive health has declined globally in recent decades.
In this context, scientists are sounding the alarm, calling on governments and relevant organizations to fund research work in this scope to find out the causes of this problem, and how this trend can be reversed.
The research team proposes to establish a global network of biobanks that contain information regarding the lifestyle, pathological condition, and nature of the tissues of men who are able and unable to reproduce, as well as their wives and children. In addition, researchers suggest developing tests to improve the diagnosis and identification of the causes of male infertility.
Experts stress the need to conduct strict tests on the effect of chemical compounds on men’s fertility, including environmental pollutants, pesticides, and others.
In this context, scientists suggest organizing campaigns to educate people in general regarding the harms of an “unhealthy lifestyle” and to educate young people – in particular – regarding the possibility that this may cause serious harm, including infertility.
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