Categories: Mens fertility Research

Studies on the decline of Sperm counts since WW II

1. Carlsen E., Giwercman, A.J., Keiding, N., Skakkebaek, N.E. Decline in semen quality from 1930 to 1991. [Danish] Ugeskrift for Laeger. 155(33):pp2530-2535; Aug 16, 1993
2. Auger J. Kunstmann JM Czyglik F., Jouannet P. Decline in semen quality among fertile men in Paris during the past 20 years. New England Journal of Medicine. 2;332(5): pp 281-285; Feb, 1995
3. Sharpe, R.M. On the importance of being earnest. Decline in semen quality among fertile men in paris during the past 20 years. Human and experimental toxicology. 14(5): pp 463-464; May, 1995
4. Decline on the quality of male semen [German] Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift. 120(31-32): p 1107; Aug 4, 1995
5. Sharpe, R.M. and Skakkebaek, N.E. Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproductive tract? Lancet. 341(8857): pp 1392-1395; May 29, 1993
6. Wright, L. Silent Sperm. The New Yorker. Jan 15, 1996, pp42-55
7. Olsen, G.W., Bodner, K.M., Ramlow, J.M., ross, C.E., Lipshultz, L.I. Have sperm counts been reduced 50 percent in 50 years? A statistical model revisited. Fertility and Sterility. 63(4): pp 887-93; Apr, 1995

Must Read: Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.

From biomedical statistics, it seems that we may be on the verge of extinction. Over the last half century since World War II, human sperm counts in industrialized countries have dropped 50% on average, and are predicted to be near zero within the next few generations. Likely causes are various toxic pesticides, herbicides and industrial chemicals (DDT, PCBs, and others), estrogen containing compounds (including chemicals that mimic estrogens), hormones in animal products, and stress from modern urban lifestyles. Preserving our reproductive health through reduced environmental stress, we directly improve the strength and richness of our reproductive capacities, including sperm.

Whether or not sperm counts are decreasing has been debated on the basis of the testing procedures used. In the US there have been statistical studies derived from various tests involving different test parameters. Thus, some studies (funded by the Dow chemical company and others) suggest that certain previous statistical analyses used inappropriate statistical models in identifying declining sperm counts, and are therefore unreliable (see study # 7 above). However, there are a number of carefully controlled European studies that leave little doubt in any statisticians’s mind that sperm counts indeed are in rapid decline in many areas of the world (see all other studies above).

Some areas have declined faster than others; in finland, where sperm counts are generally high, the counts in certain rural, isolated areas are considerably higher than in cities. This suggestion, coupled with research indicating that chemical, toxic, and stressful situations contribute to declining sperm counts, brings us a clear perspective; sperm, the progenitor of life, is in decline because the vitality of the planet and her inhabitants is in decline. Excessive population is often cited as a cause. Certainly too many people are on the planet for the kinds of technology we are using. Waking up to this awareness intellectually is only a part of the solution. Biologic forces are strong, and if many continue to eat the foods of degeneration (Tamas), then many will continue to participate in degenerative activities, regardless of how they conceptualize the problem and its solution. Providing statistical proof of the dire planetary situation (which has been amply done over the last generation) falls flat when faced with mindless desire and greed. When more people choose vital, uplifting foods, and find security in spiritual strength rather than material accumulation, we will experience a mental and biologic foundation that encourages living not only appropriately, but with wisdom and joy.

Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. 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