Study finds that sperm counts are falling dramatically | Men's Health Magazine Australia

STUDY: The Terrifying Truth About Sperm Counts In Australia

A terrifying new study has found that sperm counts among men in the Western World are plummeting.

The comprehensive study published in Human Reproduction Update analysed data from studies spanning 1973-2011 and concluded that sperm counts in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America have fallen by almost 60 per cent in the last 40 years.

RELATED: 7 signs your semen is healthy and strong

Even more concerning: the rate of decline has shown no signs of levelling off in recent years.

The cause of this fall is still unknown, although pesticides, hormone-disrupting chemicals, diet, stress, smoking and obesity have all been “plausibly associated” with the problem, according to the study authors.

One expert commenting on the study described the figures as “shocking” and a “wake-up call” for urgent research into the reasons driving the fall.

RELATED: 7 things you do every day that destroy your sperm

Want to protect your swimmers?

Here are some sensible steps you can take…

Eat organic produce three times a day

Studies have found that hitting pesticide-free produce this often can bump your sperm count up by 169 per cent.

Eat oily fish at least once a week

Salmon, tuna and other fish rich in omega-3 fats have been shown to boost sperm count by 51 per cent.

Stop smoking

Even low-level smoking (less than 5 cigarettes a day) causes your sperm count to dive by as much as 21 per cent.

Leave the office early

Men who are stressed and anxious showed sperm counts up to 60 per cent lower than their more relaxed peers.

Can’t just down tools and leave the office? Exercise and mindful breathing are two excellent ways to slash stress.

More From