Why is sperm production in men steadily declining

Why is sperm production in men steadily declining

Published 11.01.2024 | By Йосиф

Phthalates and male fertility. Why is sperm production in men steadily declining

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are used in industry to give softness, flexibility and elasticity to plastic products. Phthalates are widespread in the environment and can enter the human body through food, water, air, cosmetics and medicines. Phthalates have a negative impact on human health, especially on the reproductive system. In particular, phthalates can reduce the quantity and quality of sperm in men, which leads to a deterioration in their fertility (ability to conceive).

How do phthalates affect sperm production?

Sperm production, or spermatogenesis, is a complex process that depends on hormonal regulation and the normal functioning of the testicles and other organs of the male reproductive system. Spermatogenesis occurs in the testes, where special stem cells (spermatogonia) divide and differentiate into mature spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are then transferred to the appendages of the testicles, where they are stored and mature. During sexual arousal, spermatozoa move into the vas deferens, where they mix with the secretions of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and other glands, forming sperm. Sperm is released from the body during ejaculation.

Phthalates can disrupt this process at different stages, causing various disorders of spermatogenesis. First, phthalates can mimic or block the action of sex hormones such as testosterone, which are necessary to stimulate and maintain spermatogenesis. Secondly, phthalates can damage sperm DNA, which leads to their genetic mutations and abnormalities. Thirdly, phthalates can cause inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis (programmed death) of testicular cells, which reduces their ability to produce sperm. Fourth, phthalates can disrupt the transport and maturation of sperm in the appendages of the testicles and vas deferens, as well as their mobility and ability to fertilize the egg.

What are the facts that indicate a decrease in sperm production in men?

There are many studies that show that the quantity and quality of sperm in men in different countries and regions of the world has been declining over the past decades. For example, in 2017, a meta-analysis was published that analyzed data from 185 studies conducted from 1973 to 2011, which involved more than 42 thousand men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. According to the results of this meta-analysis, the concentration of sperm in the sperm of these men decreased by 52.4%, and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate decreased by 59.3% during the period under review. These data indicate a significant reduction in sperm production in men from developed countries over the past half century.1

Other studies also confirm this trend. For example, in 2018, at the scientific congress of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the results of two studies were presented, in which it was found that sperm motility and their total number in men from the United States and Europe have decreased over the past 10 years. 2 It has also been shown that the number of men with low sperm counts (less than 15 million per milliliter of sperm) increased from 9% to 11.5% between 2002 and 2017.3. In addition, in 2019, a study was published comparing the quality of sperm from 2,600 sperm donors from six US cities between 2007 and 2017. According to the results of this study, the total number of spermatozoa, their concentration and mobility decreased in all cities, with the exception of New York, where these indicators remained stable. 4

What are the reasons behind the reduction in sperm production in men?
A decrease in sperm production in men can have many causes, which can be divided into two groups: internal and external. Internal causes are associated with the individual characteristics of a man’s body, such as genetic disorders, congenital anomalies, chronic diseases, hormonal imbalance, immune disorders, infectious processes, inflammatory processes in the body.

The prospects are not very bright, if the tendency to reduce sperm production in men continues, then by 2040 the problem of male fertility will become catastrophic.

The general effect of endocrine disruptors, including phthalates, is considered one of the reasons for a decrease in the number of spermatozoa and a deterioration in sperm quality, which can lead to infertility and a higher incidence of congenital malformations of the genital tract. The results of a number of in vitro studies have shown that the above-mentioned phthalates have weak estrogenic activity, whereas in vivo studies have shown that they have rather antiandrogenic abilities. A review of articles related to laboratory animals confirmed that phthalates cause a decrease in sperm count, an increase in the frequency of abnormal sperm cells and DNA damage in germ cells, especially after chronic exposure and in the case of exposure to immature animals. Phthalates can cause mutations in male gametes, leading to an increase in pre- and postnatal mortality of offspring, as well as to the occurrence of congenital malformations, growth retardation, delayed sexual development, reduction of anogenital distance in males, sex ratio disorders and decreased sperm quality in males.

Author: Aum News

https://nashaplaneta.su/blog/ftalaty_i_muzhskaja_fertilnost_pochemu_proizvodstvo_spermy_u_muzhchin_neuklonno_snizhaetsja/2023-12-21-53356