The article summary reads, “Levels of ‘viable’ sperm in human males are falling – and scientists believe they now understand the cause. Infertility can begin in the womb, says Steve Connor.” According to Out for the count: Why levels of sperm in men are falling, it seems that modern lifestyles (including diet) are contributing to a lowering in viable sperm cells in men. Much of the blame is placed on their mothers.
Excerpt:
Obesity, for instance, is a growing problem and it has been linked with reproductive problems in both men and women. One study has also indicated that overweight pregnant women tend to produce sons with poor semen quality. But is it being fat that is the cause, or the environmental chemicals stored in fat?
There has been a lot of interest in chemicals in the environment, especially those that can either mimic female sex hormones – oestrogenic chemicals – or block male sex hormones, specifically testosterone which plays a critical role in stimulating the development of Sertoli cells in the womb. …
It is more difficult trying to establish a similar, significant link between male reproductive problems and exposure to low concentrations of the many other environmental chemicals that may have weak oestrogenic or androgen-blocking properties, including substances as wide-ranging as pesticides, traffic fumes, plastics and even soya beans. Professor Sharpe says that much of the evidence to date is weak or non-existent.
