Yes, you read that correctly. This isn’t an alarmist conspiracy theory, or a recap of The Handmaids Tale. It’s a fact that, in the Western world at least, sperm seem to be disappearing.
New research, published in medical journal Human Reproduction Update, suggests that sperm counts among men in countries like Australia have more than halved in the past 40 years.
Researchers analysed the data from 185 separate studies between 1973 and 2011, involving 43,000 men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. It found that, during the period focused on, an increasing amount of men registered sperm counts below the threshold needed to conceive a child, with sperm counts decreasing by 52 per cent.
Fertility can be a concern for many couples in modern society. One in six couples experience difficulties when trying to conceive, making infertility quite common these days. While 40 per cent of infertility cases are due to the women’s age and reproductive system, it is less commonly known that another 40 per cent of infertility cases are attributed to men’s sperm count.
Though the reasons for why sperm counts have dropped so considerably remain mostly unclear, some researchers believe that poor lifestyle choices that lead to obesity may be a major factor.
If sperm counts continue to decline, should we be worried?
The general consensus in the scientific community is, thankfully, no. Rather than having an overly alarmist response to this study’s findings, medical researchers remind those looking to conceive that it only takes one sperm to fertilise an egg. To put that into perspective, they point out that the average man still produces around 50 million each time they ejaculate.
From a statistical standpoint, the odds may be in our favour, but the fact remains that it seems to be getting harder and harder to conceive as the years go on. As the average age of first-time parents continues to rise, it has become more important than ever to give ourselves the best opportunity we can to foster a healthy and successful pregnancy.
Even with sperm rates on the decline, not all hope is lost. The human body is remarkable and there are several ways that medical practitioners suggest could help in ensuring your sperm count is high and healthy. Along with improving your physical fitness through exercise, some doctors suggest supplements like Vitamin C or D-aspartic acid will assist in giving a little boost to your sperm count. Though there is a strong hope about using these methods, there is still not enough definitive research to consider this a guaranteed method.
Nutritionist Atli Arnarson compiled a list of 10 ways that could help increase your sperm count. Whilst there is scientific evidence to support Arnarson’s tips, there is no substitute for professional attention. It’s important to remember that every case is different, and you should consult a specialist if you have any concerns regarding your own personal situation.
Other suggestions, on the other hand, are tried and true methods of improving your health on a holistic level. It shouldn’t be a surprise that doctors suggest that libido and fertility are inherently linked to the way you feel overall. Men worried about their sperm count are advised to follow the basic principles of health: get more sleep, aim for a more nutritious diet, limit your alcohol intake and generally make sure that you are living the healthiest lifestyle that you possibly can. In doing so, your body will be given the opportunity to replenish itself on a regular basis and this will hopefully give your sperm a better chance at flourishing in a healthy environment and help your chances of conceiving.