Evidence is mounting that male reproductive health is on the decline and an international group of experts has called for urgent action. Their report highlights the need for greater understanding of the causes of male infertility and how to better diagnose, treat and prevent it.
Lead author Moira O'Bryan, dean of science at the University of Melbourne, says compelling data shows human sperm counts and quality are dropping. One recent review found that sperm counts have fallen by more than 50% in the past 50 years.
It's believed that increased use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is playing a role. These chemicals, which mimic, block or otherwise interfere with hormones in our bodies, are found in everything from pesticides and household chemicals to cosmetics and have been linked to a range of health problems.
A number of animal studies have associated exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals with a decline in sperm quality and quantity, as well as increased DNA damage in sperm. With humans, it is more difficult to draw a conclusion about how great a contribution these chemicals are making to male infertility.
"It is complicated as there are other factors," says O'Bryan. "We know, for example, that some medications dampen down fertility. Humans also smoke, drink alcohol and wait until they're 45 to try to have children. There are probably genetic factors as well."
The World Health Organisation estimates that infertility now affects one in six couples of reproductive age. About half the time it originates from the male.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 25 - December 1, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 25 - December 1, 2023-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Spilt milk
Excess dietary calcium goes into toilets, not bones.
To the Max
The testosterone and torments of late adolescence are centre stage in this novel about finding your place in life.
A chemical killer
A new book outlines the life of a woman who may well have been New Zealand’s most prolific poisoner. What was it that led police to exhume the body of her husband from its watery grave?
Creating the WOW factor
Meg Williams, in charge of the biggest festival involving a bunch of people wearing wacky outfits, admits she's not very flamboyant in her own dressing.
Leaving it all on the park
After cancer treatment, Graeme Downes takes stock of a musical life leading The Verlaines and lecturing future generations of songwriters.
Wrong message
A UK journalist who came here to talk about Rwanda’s authoritarian regime found herself the victim of a social media hate campaign.
Busting a gut
IBD is escalating, seemingly thanks to the Western lifestyle, and New Zealand has one of the highest rates in the world.
The point of Peters
There's been much to admire about the NZ First leader's politics over the years, but where has it got him?
Don't call us ...
Finland's ingenuity galvanised the rapid global uptake of cellphones, so it's paradoxical the country's latest claim to fame should be the elevation of no-speakies to a new commercial opportunity.
He is here
In the week my brother died, there was a storm in the universe.