The Relationship of Sperm Counts to Birth Rates: A Population Based Study

Abstract

We found a statistically significant correlation between yearly variations in mean sperm counts and birth rates. Our data suggest that variations in male reproductive function may affect population based birth rates and, therefore, may be more important than previously understood.

Environmental Toxicants Induced Male Reproductive Disorders: Identification and Mechanism of Action

“…Standard semen analyses (including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, and morphology) have been the primary research tools for studying the effects of toxicants on the male reproductive system. Epidemiologic studies have successfully utilized semen quality as a marker of fertility (Fisch et al, 1997). The uncertainties associated with traditional semen measures have led to the recent development of assays of sperm function and genetic integrity; these assays may prove more sensitive and more specific reflections of toxicant-induced effects (e.g., aneuploidy or reduced sperm motility) in individuals (Martin et al, 1997).…”

Male reproductive health: cause for concern?

“…Comparatively few data are available to address this issue. In a study conducted in a single region in North America, Fisch et al . (1997) examined data from 660 men banking semen prior to vasectomy between 1971 and 1994.…”

Circannual variation in human semen parameters

“…Nevertheless, the oscillation of male gamete quality may be one of the factors to affect the fluctuations in birth rates, probability of conception and effective fecundability (Rojansky et al ., 1992; Stolwijk et al ., 1994; Lam et al ., 1994; Fisch et al ., 1997; Smits et al ., 1998). It is possible that the deleterious effects of summer heat on spermatogenesis reduce semen quality and male fertility, and at least in part explain the deficit of spring births in warm climates worldwide.…”