Sperm counts are falling: Doctor shares six reasons why yours could be too

Women and their ‘biological clocks’ tend to bear the brunt of fertility concerns but, with worldwide sperm counts falling, men need to be aware that their fertility is far from a given.

According to a recent study, 53 countries have reported declining sperm counts – in particular, North America, Europe, and Australia, where there’s been a whopping 50-60% drop.

The issue is spilling out into popular culture, too.

Celebrity Save Our Sperm, which is due to air tonight at 10pm on Channel 4, sees Ollie Locke, Melvin Odoom and Russell Kane take part in a series of experiments in an attempt to increase their sperm count in just 10 weeks.

So what could be behind these staggering sperm count figures?

Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor tells us that, while male fertility generally takes a nosedive between the ages of 40 and 45, there are other factors at play that can make it harder to conceive as a younger person…

Stress

Sorry to the stress heads out there – we know this won’t exactly be relaxing to hear.

‘Studies have found that men who feel stressed frequently are more likely to experience decreased testosterone, a lower sperm count, abnormal sperm production, and decreased sperm motility (the function that allows sperm to move),’ says Dr Babak.

‘Many current events can be said to have increased stress, including the rising cost of living as an example.’

Yikes.

Weight

Dr Babak says that, unfortunately, weight can also have a part to play.

‘Having a high BMI is a cause of low sperm count, as well as decreased sperm quality and movement,’ he explains.

‘This situation may have been exacerbated recently by the Covid pandemic, with lockdowns leading to lower levels of physical activity among many.’

Drinking

Party rockers in the house, beware.

Dr Babak says that alcohol intake can ‘affect hormone levels and inhibit the function of the testes’.

Smoking

Shock horror, smoking is bad for you in a myriad of ways.

Among the many, many other things cigarette smoking can damage, it also ’causes lower semen volume and sperm count,’ according to Dr Babak.

Diet

You need to be getting your five-a-day for loads of reasons, fertility being just one of them.

Dr Babak says a poor intake of fruits and veggies can impact the efficacy of your little swimmers, as can eating loads of fast food.

Lack of exercise

Dr Babak says low mobility can be a fertility issue for men, too.

‘Men who are active show improved hormone levels and sperm production compared to men who are less active,’ he explains.

‘Semen analyses in these individuals showed better morphology, count, and motility percentages, among other healthier numbers.’

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