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Study: Global Fertility Drop Linked to Common Pesticides

  • #Diseases & conditions
  • #Medicine & healthcare
  • #Men
  • #Research
  • #Men's health
Study: Global Fertility Drop Linked to Common Pesticides
story
NOV 2023
Image copyright: Unsplash
story last updated FEB 2024

The Spin

Narrative A

Scientists have obtained solid evidence of widespread declining sperm counts for decades — first, a 1992 study found overall sperm count dropping 50% over the previous 60 years, and then a 2019 study found that moving sperm declined 10% over the previous 16 years. These numbers should concern everyone and prompt both voters and their governments to take a stand against the use of chemicals that cause infertility.

The Conversation

Narrative B

While some studies, though certainly not all, have shown that sperm count is dropping, none have been able to conclusively demonstrate a deterioration of sperm quality. It's also important to recognize that many factors could be contributing to declining sperm concentrations, including whether they're immobilized before they're counted. Alongside pesticides, obesity rates, and rising temperatures may also be playing a role. This issue needs more analysis before the world begins to fixate on a single cause and, therefore, solution.

Scientific American

Metaculus Prediction


Articles on this story

Are Sperm Counts Really Declining?
Scientific AmericanJUL 2023
Blue-collar workers have 50% higher sperm counts than their peers, Harvard study indicates
Daily MailJUL 2023
Men who lift heavy objects at work have higher sperm counts, study suggests
IndependentJUL 2023