Exploring the Reasons Behind Increasing Infertility Rates
For the first time in human history, fertility rates are significantly declining, falling below the level needed for reproductive survival. This trend is leading to population shrinkage in many developed nations, while population growth is now mainly happening in developing countries. While age-related infertility is a well-known factor, several lesser-known causes also contribute to this issue. In this blog, we explore various reasons behind rising infertility rates, including declining sperm health, PCOS, endocrine disruptors, genetically modified foods, and more, to help you better understand this complex issue.
Understanding Male Fertility: The Crucial Role of Sperm Health
As women, we often place the heavy burden of infertility on our shoulders, feeling responsible for the challenges we face in starting a family. However, it’s crucial to remember that a man’s sperm accounts for 50% of the equation. Both partners play an equally significant role in fertility, and understanding this can help alleviate some of the pressure women may feel.
Did you know that a man’s sperm not only passes DNA to the egg but also plays a crucial role in forming the baby’s placenta? It’s surprising how little awareness there is about the connection between sperm health and pregnancy outcomes. Studies suggest that miscarriages may be linked to the poor quality of a man’s sperm.
Male sperm counts have dropped by 60% over the past 30 years. Alarmingly, instead of addressing the root causes, the normal range for sperm parameters has simply been lowered. Currently, approximately 1 in 3 men have a sperm count below 15 million per millilitre or less than 39 million sperm total per ejaculate, which is considered within the infertile range. In my opinion, the bare minimum optimal sperm count should be greater than 150 million sperm per millilitre
The data indicates a general decline in sperm quality over two decades, with particular decreases in sperm concentration, total sperm count, and morphology (the shape and structure of sperm). The percentage of morphologically normal sperm has significantly decreased from 20% in 2000 to as low as 4% in recent years (2011 onwards). This decline is crucial as morphology is a key indicator of fertility.
Metabolic Conditions, Including Insulin Resistance & PCOS
In recent years metabolic conditions (health issues that affect how your body coverts food into energy) have been on the rise globally, including in the UK and USA. Disorders like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance have seen significant increases, affecting overall health and fertility. According to Diabetes UK, over 4.9 million people in the UK are now living with diabetes with around 90% of these cases being type 2 diabetes, closely linked to lifestyle.
The rise is metabolic conditions requires us to consider their impact on fertility, particularly in relation to Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting approximately 1 in 4 women in the UK. It manifests with a variety of symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. However, not everyone with PCOS experiences these symptoms.
Anovulation (the absence of ovulation, where the ovary does not release an oocyte during a menstrual cycle) related to PCOS can significantly impair fertility, making conception challenging for many women. A key factor influencing fertility in a majority of women with PCOS is Insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This can disrupt reproductive hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and can contribute to the development of PCOS. Data suggests that up to 70% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese2.
Environmental Factors and Endocrine Disruptors
Our environment plays a significant role in our reproductive health. Unfortunately, various factors like pollution and endocrine disruptors interfere with hormone production, leading to declining fertility rates. Glyphosate, an herbicide found in everyday items, is one such disruptor. Pollutants and harmful chemicals like plasticisers, heavy metals, and air pollution mimic hormones, leading to reproductive issues.
A recent study published in Toxicological Sciences tested 23 human testicles and 47 dog testicles, finding microplastics in every sample. Additionally, previous research has found microplastics in all samples tested from the human placenta, the organ responsible for oxygen and nutrient delivery to a developing fetus.
Endocrine disruptors can also cause reproductive disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian dysfunction. These conditions can impact fertility and increase the risk of pregnancy complications.
Glyphosate
This antibiotic, is known for its ability to kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites and has been patented as an antimicrobial agent. However, it has also been discovered to inhibit the absorption of key nutrients and disrupt protein synthesis at the cellular level, acting both as an antibiotic and a cause of protein synthesis defects.
The implications of protein synthesis defects can significantly affect both sperm and egg quality, raising concerns about its impact on fertility. Additionally, glyphosate’s influence on the microbiome could have further-reaching effects on health due to its role in the ecosystem of gut bacteria. The presence of antibiotics like glyphosate in the water system also poses a concern for environmental and public health.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Fertility
The growing concerns around Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and their impact on health and fertility cannot be ignored. Numerous studies indicate that consuming GMO foods harms reproductive health.
Research indicates that GMO crops frequently necessitate the use of herbicides such as glyphosate. As previously mentioned, these chemicals interfere with the delicate balance of endocrine hormones. Specifically, they can mimic or interfere with the function of oestrogens and androgens, which play critical roles in reproductive health. This disruption can lead to fertility issues, affecting both male and female reproductive systems by altering hormone levels, reducing sperm count, and impacting egg quality.crucial for reproductive health. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides impairs fertility by altering hormone levels, damaging reproductive tissues, and causing abnormal sperm and egg development.
Research indicates that consuming GMO foods might result in the transfer of genetically modified materials into our gut bacteria, potentially disturbing the gut-brain axis. This axis connects our brain’s emotional and cognitive centres with our intestines. Such disturbances could significantly impact our hormone balance, with particular effects on fertility. Hormones, essential for regulating numerous bodily functions, could be altered, potentially leading to various fertility-related health issues.
Nutrition
The rising issue of infertility is becoming increasingly linked to nutritional deficiencies, exacerbated by our modern diet and agricultural practices Our modern diets have undergone a significant transformation from those enjoyed by our ancestors.
One of the driving factors behind this change is soil depletion, which has resulted in a significant decrease in the nutrient content of our food. Unfortunately, this shift in nutrition and lifestyle has also had a profound impact on our overall health, including an increase in infertility rates. With so many important vitamins and minerals missing from our diets, it’s no wonder that our bodies are struggling to keep up.
Intensive farming has led to the depletion of essential minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium in our soils, which play a crucial role in fertility. Selenium is necessary for thyroid function and protecting against oxidative damage; zinc is vital for hormone balance and egg development; and magnesium supports reproductive biochemical reactions.
Our shift towards convenience foods and packaged products, coupled with these depleted soils, means the food we consume is often lacking in these essential nutrients. This nutritional gap directly impacts fertility, as these minerals are pivotal for reproductive health.
Lifestyle
The increase in infertility rates can partly be blamed on our sedentary lifestyle, which includes not getting enough sunlight and too much exposure to blue light from screens. This way of living negatively affects hormone levels important for fertility. Getting enough sunlight is crucial because it helps produce Vitamin D, a hormone that plays a significant role in fertility for both men and women. Meanwhile, too much screen time can mess with our sleep patterns. Proper sleep is vital as it helps regulate hormones like melatonin, which in turn affects reproductive hormones.
Recent studies, including one from the University of Sydney, show that captivity can harm animal fertility. By comparing 44 species, researchers found that animals born in captivity are 50% less likely to breed successfully than those born in the wild. This highlights how environmental changes and stress can affect reproductive health, suggesting a possible link to increasing infertility rates in humans due to modern lifestyles.
What steps can we take to address these issues?
While the factors contributing to the rise in infertility can seem overwhelming, it’s important to remember that understanding these issues is the first step towards addressing them.
Next week, I will be sharing another blog post focused on practical strategies and positive changes that can help counteract these factors. Stay tuned for insights and tips on how to enhance your fertility and take control of your reproductive health.
Keep an eye out for my upcoming blog post—it’s all about finding solutions and regaining hope.
With Love
Nadine