Drop in sperm count in British Men
A wonderful example of media bias towards an "Environmental" issue...
This has been reported in several places but in an incomplete form.
bq. 29% fall in men's sperm count worries researchers
bq. Researchers are about to deliver another blow to men's self-image by suggesting that there has been a big fall in their sperm count.
Is what has been reported. A good writeup can be found at the
U.K. Guardian website which reveals that the samples came from:
bq. They will report today a 29% drop in the average sperm concentration in more than 7,500 men
attending the Aberdeen Fertility Centre between 1989 and 2002.
(emphasis mine)
and more:
bq. The figures may not be typical of the whole male population, since the men or their partners were seeking fertility treatment.
but the article is still being spun as an "Environmental" one:
bq. "Nonetheless, the drop in sperm counts must cause some concern and needs to be explained. We look forward to collecting data on other aspects of sperm quality to see if there is a similar decline."
bq. Advisers to the Department of Health and the Food Standards Agency have urged a review of how chemicals, work and lifestyles might affect the sexual development of boys and their future fertility.
Great -- just frickin' great -- get a government bureaucracy involved in this and get some more laws passed... These people were coming to a Fertility Center because they couldn't have kids - of course there will be a higher incidence of low sperm count. Sheesh!
Posted by DaveH at January 5, 2004 11:44 AM