Over the past few decades, several scientific studies and analyzes have indicated that the number of sperm among men has decreased around the world. The issue became important with the publication of a historical study in 1992, for researchers in the Department of Growth and Reproduction at the University of Realositital, Copenhagen, which indicated that a significant decline in sperm concentration and the total number of sperm samples collected. of pregnancy in women. According to the study; The decline in the number of sperm is not limited to specific areas or population groups, but was observed in different countries and breeds. This global tendency indicates that the factors that contribute to the decline can have large large -scale effects, which emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the issue. What takes sperm down? The decrease in the number of sperm is a decrease in the concentration of sperm cells in the man’s semen, or a decrease in the total number of sperm cells in each ejaculation. The number of sperm is usually measured by the analysis of semen, which examines several criteria for semen quality, including sperm concentration. The decrease in the number of sperm is often expressed in the form of a decrease in the number of sperm cells per milliliter semen, or a decrease in the total number of sperm cells. The World Health Organization provides instructions for semen analysis standards, including the minimum normal number of sperm. According to the fifth edition of the organization’s laboratory guide, the normal sperm number is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter, or at least 39 million sperm cells, in ejaculing fluid. The decrease in the number of sperm can be classified as a relative decline compared to historical data or reference domains, or a decrease to less than the normal number of sperm. The size of the decline varies, from moderate to severe. Fertility is not measured by a decrease in the number of sperm; There are many other factors such as sperm movement, formation and total semen size. But the number of sperm is a decisive factor because it directly affects the chances of pregnancy, and it is often used as an indication of fertility in men. How much does the decrease cost? In 2017, researchers evaluated more than 200 studies; To find a 50% decline in sperm concentration – especially in Western countries – from the 1970s to 2011. But scientists do not know determined if one of them is connected to the other. The effect of the decrease in the number of sperm: the decrease in the number of sperm has effects that exceed fertility; Studies indicate that there is a link between the low number of sperm and different health conditions in men, including an increase in the risk of testicle cancer, metabolic disorders (metabolism) and cardiovascular disease. The decline in the number of sperm can have the effects of future population dynamics. If this trend continues, it can affect birth rates, population growth and demographic distribution. Therefore; Scientists believe that the understanding of the factors contributing to this decline is crucial to making enlightened decisions on reproductive health and family planning policies. What are the reasons for the decline? Although the factors that cause the decline in the sperm are fully known, the possible causes include increasing obesity, malnutrition and exposure to toxins in the environment. Weight gain or obesity can lead to hormonal imbalances, which can affect sperm production and quality, as the lipid tissue can produce estrogen, which is a female hormone; Which can be without hormonal balance in men. High levels of estrogen can lead to limiting the production of testosterone, which is the most important male hormone needed to produce sperm naturally, and plays an important role in the development and ripening of sperm cells. Obesity is often associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which involves malformations in the response of the body to insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance can lead to high levels of blood insulin, which disrupts the production and function of other hormones, including testosterone. Obesity causes a low degree of chronic infection in the body. Inflammation can affect the testes, disrupt the natural process of sperm formation, and also lead to oxidative stress that can damage sperm cells. Excessive fat in the abdominal area increases the scrotum temperature due to its insulating effect, which can harm the production and quality of sperm. Some medical conditions can also affect the production and quality of the sperm. These cases include infection, hormonal disorders, testicular disorders and genetic malformations. Some medications, such as chemotherapy, some antifungal medication, also overlap with sperm production; The diet that does not have essential nutrients, such as zinc and antioxidants, can affect sperm health. Low fertility liabilities The weakening in health and number of sperm can lead to increased infertility rates and poor fertility, which require the use of auxiliary -productive techniques, such as fertilizer in the laboratory or sperm injection. These treatments are financially stressful for individuals, and often require multiple efforts and significant financial resources and form in some countries to print healthcare systems. Pregnancy problems also cause deep psychological and emotional effects on individuals; If you do not have children, it can cause sadness, frustration, guilt, anxiety and stress mental health and health. On a larger scale, the deterioration of sperm health contributes to low birth rates, which can have social consequences in countries where the population growth rate is already low, or high aging rates, which can impose demographic challenges that can affect the workforce, strive for social security systems and pension systems and the general structure of associations. Can the decline be reversed? Scientists have not yet reached a way to reflect the decline in the number of sperm. Therefore; It is necessary to perform more studies to determine whether this decrease in the number of sperm is associated with low fertility, and how to determine and reduce the possible causal factors. The potential role of environmental factors and lifestyle factors in a decrease in the number of sperm causes questions about the effect of modern lifestyles, exposure to chemicals and societal changes on reproductive health. Examining these factors and its impact on the number of sperm can lead to better understanding and purposeful interventions to reduce the decline. Also read:
What is the decrease in fertility in men and how does it happen?
