Casual Discussion on American IVF: Is Declining Sperm Quality Leading to Human Extinction?

2024-11-06 20:28:58，浏览量： 4次

 

According to a recent study published in Human Reproduction Update, conducted by Dr. Hagai Levine and his team, the ongoing decline in male sperm quality and quantity may impact human survival. One doctor even warned that if this trend is not curbed, humanity could face the risk of extinction.

 

In their paper titled Temporal Trends in Sperm Count: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis, Dr. Levine's team pointed out that they analyzed the results of 185 studies from 1973 to 2011 and found that the average sperm concentration in men from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand has been decreasing by 1.4% per year. During this period, sperm concentration per ejaculation decreased by 52.4%, and total sperm count decreased by 59.3%.

In China, the decline in male sperm quality has also raised concerns. Research shows that the sperm density of Chinese men has dropped from an average of 100 million/mL 40 years ago to now ranging between 20 million and 40 million/mL. The analysis of Changes in Semen Quality of Fertile Men in China from 1981 to 1996 indicates that the semen quality of Chinese men declined by 1% per year between 1981 and 1996. With the accelerated pace of life and increased environmental pollution, sperm quality issues are becoming more severe.

 

Not only is the quantity declining, but the quality of sperm is also decreasing. According to data from the World Health Organization, 15 years ago, the rate of abnormal sperm in normal male semen was about 15%, whereas now the proportion of normal sperm is only 4%. Environmental pollution, food safety issues, and radiation continue to harm male sperm health.

 

Professor Swan, a member of Dr. Levine's team, pointed out that this issue has been a concern since the first report of declining sperm counts 25 years ago. This study reveals for the first time that this downward trend is not only significant but is also accelerating.

 

Despite skepticism from many about this conclusion, who argue that early research methods may have biases, primarily targeting men with fertility problems, or that measurement methods were not precise enough, Dr. Levine's team employed a more rigorous meta-regression analysis, covering a broader scope, which has weakened the opposition. Professor Pesci stated, "This study addresses many flaws in previous research. The results should be approached with caution, but it is clear that much work remains to be done."

 

Sperm freezing technology has become relatively mature in the field of assisted reproduction, allowing men to preserve their fertility long-term through frozen sperm, which can theoretically be stored indefinitely. Sperm that has been successfully frozen for over 30 years remains viable. For single women approaching their prime reproductive age, egg freezing is a choice worth considering; married individuals may consider embryo freezing. Especially for older women with diminished ovarian function, Dr. Nathan Zhang recommends opting directly for embryo freezing, as IVF-PGT technology can culture embryos to the blastocyst stage on day five and perform PGS/PGD genetic screening diagnosis before implantation to eliminate poor-quality embryos, ensuring that frozen embryos have better quality assurance.

Currently, IVF USA offers services such as egg freezing and IVF in the United States, with operations extending to IVF and egg freezing in Japan, Thailand, as well as Mexico, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, working closely with IVF doctors worldwide. Whether you are considering preserving your fertility or pursuing your dream of parenthood, Dr. Nathan Zhang will provide you with professional consultation to help you develop a personalized fertility plan.