4 ms·
Sperm counts have been dropping for a long time (50%-60% over the past 50 years) without stopping, and plasticizers are the suspected culprit. It's incredible
by Auracle 4y ago
Sperm counts have been dropping for a long time (50%-60% over the past 50 years) without stopping, and plasticizers are the suspected culprit. It's incredible how many people need to do IVF now. I would argue that might be the most imminent threat but nobody seems to care.
- TameAntelope 4y agoPeople should have fewer kids anyway, I see this as an absolute win.
- bongoman37 4y ago
- Auracle 4y agoSpeaking as someone that had to go through IVF, that's a bit like celebrating cancer for reducing the population. Infertility is devastating for you and your relationship when you want to have children.
- choeger 4y agoDon't expect empathy from someone who has found the Rightful Cause(TM). You have my sympathies for going through a this procedure even though I never had to do that.
- TameAntelope 4y agoInfertility would be "none", and I didn't say that, I said "fewer". But I'm sorry you've put such an important emphasis on having kids in your relationship. The fact that you live in a society where that's reasonable is immensely sad, to me. You should feel whole without children, and the fact that you don't is the real tragedy, IMO.
- fredrikholm 4y agoAre you always this misanthropic and belittling?
- TameAntelope 4y agoI'm neither of those things now, nor am I always anything. Are you always this antagonistic and reductive?
- fredrikholm 4y agoWhen someone infantilizes or shames people for their suffering, yes.
- TameAntelope 4y agoConsidering I did neither of those things, your behavior remains unexplained...
- donthellbanme 4y ago
- fredrikholm 4y agoLarge majority of developed countries are below replacement rates, so there's no need to gloat in the suffering and pain of people who can't have children.
- inkblotuniverse 4y agoWhat an anti-human stance.
- maccolgan 4y agoWhy yes, just commit demographic suicide à la Japan.
- G3rn0ti 4y ago> Sperm counts have been dropping for a long time Every couple of years this concern bubbles up. It seems to be established that sperm counts in males are going down. But I’ve yet to see substantial evidence about the possible causes. The effect of plasticisers e.g. were found in animal models usually with rather high doses. An increase of obesity over the last 50 years might also be a likely cause as obesity is linked with hormonal issues. Furthermore, the average age of first time parents has increased significantly. That could also explain why IVF got more popular as sperm counts (and egg „quality“) are age dependent as well. AFAIK there is no empirical study today proving any link between environmental issues and sperm counts.
- Auracle 4y agoI'm certainly no expert, but from what I've seen the scientists are pretty firm in their belief it has nothing to do with obesity or other societal factors. Most of those are fairly easy to control for. Apparently it's happening in dogs too: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160809095138.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/08/160809095138.h... But not necessarily in farm animals. We know for a fact that phthalates have an effect on embryo development, and good luck avoiding those.
- mellavora 4y agoJust to remind everyone, the decline in sperm count is across species, not just in humans. So while yes, for people it may be less of an issue, the same cannot be said for wildlife, where it becomes another nail in the extinction coffin.
- seunosewa 4y agoThe need to do IVF is also related to women marrying and choosing to have children later.