Sperm count falling sharply in developed world, researchers sayPhotos.com Kiwis are among the world's men who've had a drastic decline in sperm count. Sperm counts in men from New Zealand, America, Europe and Australia have dropped by more than 50 per cent in less than 40 years, researchers say. Both findings - in a meta-analysis bringing together various studies - pointed to a potential decline in male health and fertility. The analysis did not explore reasons for the decline, but researchers said falling sperm counts have previously been linked to various factors such as exposure to certain chemicals and pesticides, smoking, stress and obesity. "An unanswered question is whether the impact of whatever is causing declining sperm counts will be seen in future generations of children via epigenetic (gene modifications) or other mechanisms operating in sperm," he said in an emailed comment.

Source: Stuff July 25, 2017 19:18 UTC