Categories: Research

Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years.

University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether semen quality has changed during the past 50 years.

DESIGN: Review of publications on semen quality in men without a history of infertility selected by means of Cumulated Index Medicus and Current List (1930-1965) and MEDLINE Silver Platter database (1966-August 1991).

SUBJECTS: 14,947 men included in a total of 61 papers published between 1938 and 1991.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean sperm density and mean seminal volume.

RESULTS: Linear regression of data weighted by number of men in each study showed a significant decrease in mean sperm count from 113 x 10(6)/ml in 1940 to 66 x 10(6)/ml in 1990 (p less than 0.0001) and in seminal volume from 3.40 ml to 2.75 ml (p = 0.027), indicating an even more pronounced decrease in sperm production than expressed by the decline in sperm density.

CONCLUSIONS: There has been a genuine decline in semen quality over the past 50 years. As male fertility is to some extent correlated with sperm count the results may reflect an overall reduction in male fertility. The biological significance of these changes is emphasised by a concomitant increase in the incidence of genitourinary abnormalities such as testicular cancer and possibly also cryptorchidism and hypospadias, suggesting a growing impact of factors with serious effects on male gonadal function.

Lorna McFadden, DCH

I have been a certified dental assistant for the past 16 years. Over that time I have been interested in many of the healing arts. In 1993, I became a reflexologist and continued to study other forms of alternative health. My passion for Homeopathy began when I was treated by a homeopath in 1998. I really resonated with the philosophy and treatment of homeopathy. Only after a few consultations I knew I had to become involved and help heal others. With restored health and a great deal of energy, I am driven to study this wonderful healing art. I have successfully completed the first milestone in my homeopathic career by graduating from the Vancouver Homeopathic Academy. I hope to write my Certification of Classical Homeopathy in the next few years. I am a member of the West Coast Homeopathic Society and regularly attend study sessions to stay updated and educated. I also attend local trade shows and educate the public on Homeopathy. I am recently married and reside in Langley with two cats and a golden retriever named Montana. My animals are wonderful homeopathic patients.