Categories: Research

Decline in Semen Quality among Fertile Men in Paris during the Past 20 Years

Background Several studies have suggested a population-wide decline in the quality of semen over the past 50 years, but clear evidence of decreasing semen quality in recent decades is lacking.
Methods From 1973 through 1992 we measured the volume of seminal fluid, the sperm concentration, and the percentages of motile and morphologically normal spermatozoa in 1351 healthy fertile men. The data on the semen samples were collected at one sperm bank in Paris. The data in each calendar year were analyzed as a function of the year of donation, the age of each patient, the year of birth, and the duration of sexual abstinence before semen collection.
Results There was no change in semen volume during the study period. The mean concentration of sperm decreased by 2.1 percent per year, from 89 x106 per milliliter in 1973 to 60×106 per milliliter in 1992 (P less than 0.001). During the same period the percentages of motile and normal spermatozoa decreased by 0.6 percent and 0.5 percent per year, respectively (both P<0.001). After adjustment in multiple regression analyses for age and the duration of sexual abstinence, each successive calendar year of birth accounted for 2.6 percent of the yearly decline in the sperm concentration and for 0.3 percent and 0.7 percent, respectively, of the yearly declines in the percentages of motile and normal spermatozoa (all P<0.001).

Conclusions During the past 20 years, there has been a decline in the concentration and motility of sperm and in the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in fertile men that is independent of the age of the men.

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.