DENVER — A study reveals fertility in men has decreased by about 30 percent over the past two decades.
The French study looked at the sperm counts of more than 26,000 healthy men, between the ages of 18 and 25, over the course of 17 years.
“This study is pretty dramatic,” said Dr. Susan Trout, a fertility expert, who has been helping families conceive for more than 17 years.
Dr. Trout explains that while similar studies have come out in the past, there were many who argued against the validity of the results. But she says this study only confirms what appears to be an undeniable trend.
“We’ve always had excuses,” said Dr. Trout. “But the data has started to accumulate to show that sperm counts are probably going down.”
Dr. Trout says that the study reveals concerning issues regarding men’s well-being because typically, unhealthy levels of sperm mean an unhealthy system.
“Men’s overall health, their energy levels, their muscle mass, their metabolism,” said Dr. Trout. “It can have effects on all parts of a man’s body.”
Some of the causes of a lower sperm count include:
- Eating fatty foods
- Frequent hot baths, or frequent sauna use
- Certain anti-dandruff shampoos that contain endocrine-disruptors
- Using laptops on your lap for extended periods
- Smoking marijuana
- Sedentary lifestyles
Dr. Trout says that several habits could help boost sperm count, like eating more greens, regular exercise, and taking anti-oxidant vitamins, such as vitamins A and C.
