Declining sperm counts. What research suggests is the cause, and what you should be doing.
A man today has half as many sperm as his grandfather.
I first came across the epic decrease in sperm counts when I was doing my Master’s degree. It was casually explained away by the hypothesis, or more accurately, the opinion that the numbers are not dropping but rather technology to accurately gauge sperm counts had improved.
Sperm counts are dropping between generations
Where did this information come from?
A 2017 research paper by Professor Shanna Swan et al found that sperm counts in the countries they looked at (including Australia, NZ, North America and Europe) were on average 47 million per mL. This number is a significant drop from 99 million per mL 39 years earlier. Since this paper was published, Professor Swan, one of the world’s leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists has studied this extensively and recently published a book explaining the trend in sperm health and what is driving this downward trajectory.
The significance of 40 million per mL
Based on her research from 2011, Professor Swan calculated the average sperm count to be dropping by more than 1% per year, and projected that the average sperm count will have dropped to around 40 million per mL between 2011 and today. This number is significant, because with sperm counts less than 40 million per mL, it becomes increasingly difficult to become pregnant.
Sperm counts in the Western countries studied are showing strong downward trajectory.
In Professor Shanna Swan’s words - “it’s urgent”.
What can be done?
One patient of my mine saw a health professional who told him that there is nothing that can be done to support sperm parameters. I cringe. This has been prove time and time again to be completely incorrect.
Not so easy to control
After nearly two decades of work dedicated to this topic, Professor Swan has determined that a major player in the decline in sperm parameters is the increased exposure we have to a particular class of chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and potential EDCs are mostly man-made found in various materials. By interfering with the body's hormones, endocrine disruptors drive poor developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in humans, abnormal growth patterns and neurodevelopmental delays in children.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are playing havoc with sperm production
Avoiding endocrine disruptors.
The hormone testosterone is crucial for men’s reproductive health, libido and sperm parameters. It is an incredibly important hormone, and one that is being directly impacted by EDC’s.
PFAS – are a group of manmade chemicals, commonly used in coatings, like Teflon, waterproofing or in food boxes. Research from July 2021 concluded that PFAS may have a negative impact on leydig cells, the cells responsible for creating testosterone.
Phthalates – this class of chemicals are responsible for making plastic soft. We find these ones in plastic containers, but also in cosmetics and just about anything with a scent. Phthalates are known to be “anti-androgens”. Androgen, being male hormones, meaning negatively impact testosterone levels.
Practical steps
Avoid plastic
Swap out teflon cookware
Opt for fragrance free
Choose organic where possible
Controlling the controllable
Avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals can be challenging at a personal level. Realistically, we need changes in legislation to make any large impact. Minimising exposure should be the goal.
Other factors that impact sperm health should also absolutely be considered. At The Fertility Suite we are extremely encouraging of men taking a role in preconception care.
Research has shown that heat, stress, alcohol and smoking all have a negative impact on sperm parameters.
On the other hand, regular exercise, optimal nutrition and acupuncture have all demonstrated a positive impact on sperm concentration, mobility and/or morphology.
Yes, these numbers are pretty scary, but there are steps you can take in your preconception care to support sperm health, while we wait and hope for greater legislation change from our government.
To read more about supporting sperm health naturally, check out our ‘men’s suite’. Questions? Contact the clinic here.