A new study from France has shown that sperm counts have fallen – so should you be worried about your own fertility?
Researchers examined samples from over 26,000 healthy men and reported a ‘substantial’ decline in sperm counts over its 17-year study period. Experts have already called the results of the study into question due to varying factors which can affect sperm counts, such as alcohol consumption, smoking, diet and lifestyle, along with the difficulties in comparing sperm over such a long period of time when methods of measurement are bound to change.
But it still highlights that potentially, male fertility is declining. So should you be worried about your own sperm health? Often, men don’t realise they have a fertility problem until their partner fails to get pregnant. But there’s no need to wait until you’re trying for a baby if you want to know how healthy your sperm count is.
At Manchester Fertility, you can request a ‘Fertility MOT’ test, which is a comprehensive analysis of your sperm which checks for any issues with sperm count and quality, such as abnormally- shaped sperm, problems with motility which could prevent it swimming to the egg and low sperm concentration.
The results of your test will be discussed with you in detail by one of our consultants. And if it does reveal a potential problem, please be reassured that in most cases there is a fertility treatment to help overcome it, including Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single healthy sperm is injected directly into the egg.
Whatever the outcome, our consultants will discuss with you your options going forward. And even if you don’t want children yet, at least you will know in advance whether you need to factor in infertility treatment when you are ready to have a family.
For more details on our treatments for male infertility, visit our treatments page. You can also read more in our special Guide for Men.
Last updated: 20th January 2020
