Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time.

Materials and methods: We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men.

Results: A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = -0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted.

Conclusion: This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.

Keywords: Semen quality; sperm concentration; sperm count.