“This is an urgent wake-up call for researchers and health authorities around the world to investigate the causes of the sharp drop in sperm count, with the goal of prevention.” ~ Dr. Hagai Levine

It has fallen by more than 50% in 40 years – and is showing no signs of slowing down.

The study did not examine causes but scientists believe the amount of ­chemicals used in everyday products, industry and farming may be behind the crisis.

Researchers from the Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, screened 7,500 studies that took place between 1973 and 2011.

The study was led by Dr. Hagai Levine and Dr. Shanna H Swan.

Dr Swan added: “Decreasing sperm count has been of great concern since it was first reported 25 years ago. This shows the decline is strong and continuing.”

Scientists fear chemicals in everyday products are to blame for the crisis (Image: Getty)

“The fact that the decline is seen in Western countries strongly suggests that chemicals in commerce are playing a causal role in this trend.”

The study, published in the Human Reproduction Update, found no significant decline in sperm count was seen in South America, Asia and Africa.

Written by Andrew Gregory and published by The Mirror ~ July 25, 2017.

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