How can we explain the decline in sperm counts over the last fifty years? Environmental factors (endocrine disruptors, pesticides, radiation) constitute an interesting avenue. A meta-analysis shows a strong association between this decline and insecticides such as the controversial glyphosate.
Scientific studies show that semen quality and sperm concentration decrease over time. Research carried out last year found that the average sperm count of participants – who were not infertile – had fallen by 51% over 45 years (between 1973 and 2018). This observation would be of multifactorial origin, the pollution ofairair and increased use of cell phones having been incriminated in particular.
Penis size would also have an impact on fertility! Julie Kern deciphers this information for you in La Santé sur Listen. © Futura
Beware of glyphosate
A new analysis of 25 studies and published in Environmental Health Perspectives shows that exposure to insecticides is linked to lower sperm counts in adult men around the world. More specifically, Italian and American researchers examined data from 1,774 men in 21 populations from four continents (Asia, North America, South America and Europe), who were exposed to organophosphates (which includes glyphosate). and N-methylcarbamates. Most often, this exposure occurs through the consumption of contaminated water and food.
The researchers note that this association was strengthened when two factors likely to modify the effect were taken into account: exposure to other reproductive toxins and risk factorsrisk factors medical conditions linked to low sperm concentration. “ The available evidence has reached the point where we must take regulatory action to reduce exposure to insecticidesinsecticides “, warned Melissa Perry, epidemiologist and microbiologist at George Mason University (United States) and lead author of the study.
