Blame it on the tight underpants? New research suggests the
quality of men's sperm in New Zealand has "profoundly"
declined over the past 20 years, according to the New Zealand
Medical Journal.
Research released in the journal today showed a decline in
semen volume and sperm concentration in a sample of 975 sperm
donors in Auckland and Wellington from 1987 to 2007.
Concerns over declining male fertility and "controversial"
changes in sperm quality prompted the study, the journal
said.
Results showed the volume of semen "fell significantly" and
mean concentration of sperm decreased by 2.5 percent
annually.
The report concluded the decline in both volume and
concentration "may indicate a reduction in the semen quality
of New Zealand men".
But international research indicated New Zealand blokes were
not alone.
"These conclusions have been supported by time series studies
from France, Norway, Denmark and Scotland," the journal said.
Similar studies in the United States, Spain and India showed
no decline.
"The reason for declining sperm quality has yet to be
determined but that is obviously an area for further study in
New Zealand, considering the magnitude of the decline we have
documented is among the largest recorded."
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