Experts in reproduction said chemicals and the trappings of modern life appeared to be damaging men's chances of having a family.

 

Research found that just 25 percent of young men were producing good quality sperm, and the average volume had declined by a quarter since the 1940s. The findings, presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology's annual meeting in Lisbon, prompted warnings from doctors that consumer lifestyles may have created a toxic⁴ environment for men.

 

Dr Niels Jorgensen, a consultant⁵ at the Department of Growth and Reproduction at Rigshospitalet, in Copenhagen, said thousands of chemicals found in bathrooms and kitchens were likely to be to blame for the changes.

 

"Modern life is having an impact because we are exposed to so many chemicals and we don't know what they do," he said. Chemicals found in sun cream, cosmetics, frying pans, cars, foods and even in items of clothing could all increase risks to sperm, he suggested.

 

His 15-year study of almost 5,000 Danish men, with an average age of 19, found that 15 percent had very poor quality sperm, which meant they were likely to need some sort of fertility help.

 

A further 27 percent could expect a prolonged wait to father children. Just 25 percent had good quality semen, while the remainder had a lower standard. Dr Jorgensen said there was growing evidence from animal studies to suggest that many chemicals disrupt and inhibit⁶ the production of testosterone. He expressed particular concern about lotions⁷ such as sunscreen.

 

"We are advised to protect ourselves with these sunblocks but it seems when you go to the laboratory and test some of these chemicals they can interfere⁸ with the sperm function," he said.

 

"If I was to advise my own family I would say don't use it."

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