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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals -- threatening fertility in industrialized countries

A new scientific review article reveals that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are contributing to declining fertility rates in industrialized countries. Poor semen quality and higher incidences of testicular cancer have been linked to environmental factors, with average men experiencing lower levels of testosterone.

How do single women seeking donor semen differ from cohabiting women?

A Danish study of 311 women reveals that single women seeking donor semen differ little from cohabiting women in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward motherhood. The study suggests that the myth surrounding single women's suitability for parenthood may be overstated.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateApr 7, 2015

Eating fruits and vegetables with high pesticide residues linked with poor semen quality

Men who consumed more produce with high pesticide residue levels had lower sperm counts and poorer sperm quality. Conversely, those who ate less of such produce had better semen health. The study suggests that minimizing pesticide exposure through organic or low-residue foods may be beneficial for reproductive health.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateMar 30, 2015

New technologies for getting the most out of semen

Researchers are developing microfluidic solutions for easy-to-use, disposable, inexpensive, and high-throughput sperm selection. These methods offer promising results for single-sperm genomics, in-home male fertility testing, and wildlife conservation efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateMar 19, 2015

A handsome face could mean lower semen quality

A recent study found that males with more masculine faces tend to have lower semen quality due to increased testosterone levels impairing sperm production. Males often overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

Freezing semen doubles the chances of fatherhood for men after treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma

A study published in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal found that freezing semen before cancer treatment can significantly increase the chances of fatherhood. Among 334 male survivors who wanted to have children, those with frozen semen had a success rate of 62% compared to 21% without it.

Study details paired risk factors in preeclampsia

A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateSep 10, 2013

20 hours of TV a week almost halves sperm count

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that watching TV for more than 20 hours a week can almost halve sperm count, while exercising 15 or more hours a week can improve it by 73%. Moderate to vigorous exercise also has a positive impact on semen quality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

TV viewing, exercise habits may significantly affect sperm count

A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that sedentary TV viewing can nearly halve sperm counts, while moderate to vigorous exercise may boost them. Men who watched more than 20 hours of TV weekly had a 44% lower sperm count, while those who exercised for 15 or more hours weekly had a 73% higher sperm count.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2013

Yale researchers develop test to identify 'best' sperm

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a method to select sperm with the highest DNA integrity, comparable to the egg's natural selection abilities. The test identified a biochemical marker that allows clinicians to choose the best sperm for fertilization, improving male fertility rates.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Andrology·DateMay 28, 2010

Faithful mothers have healthier babies

A study of over 2500 pregnant women found that those in long-term relationships with their biological fathers were less likely to develop pre-eclampsia and have undersized babies. Prolonged exposure to paternal antigens may induce tolerance in the maternal immune system, reducing the risk of these conditions.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateNov 12, 2009

Male painters exposed to fertility damaging chemicals

A study published in Occupational Environmental Medicine found that men working as painters and decorators who are exposed to glycol ethers have poor semen quality. The researchers discovered that these workers have a 2.5-fold increased risk of having a low motile sperm count compared to those with low exposure.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 23, 2008

Key to male infertility

Researchers at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research have isolated MIF, a substance in semen that regulates sperm maturity and fertility. Elevated or low levels of MIF were found to be associated with infertility, while high levels were linked to autoimmune diseases.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalMolecular Medicine·DateJun 29, 2007

Sperm abnormalities seen in male lupus patients

A new study found that male lupus patients have high frequency of sperm abnormalities associated with reduced testicular volume. Treatment with IV CYC was identified as the major factor in permanent damage to the testes, leading to lower median testicular volumes and semen abnormalities.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJun 28, 2007