Decline in sperm count in European men during the past 50 years.

PURPOSE To investigate whether the sperm concentration of European men is deteriorating over the past 50 years of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed the data published in English language articles in the past 50 years in altering sperm concentration in European men. RESULTS A time-dependent decline of sperm concentration ( r = -0.307, p = 0.02) in the last 50 years and an overall 32.5% decrease in mean sperm concentration was noted. CONCLUSION This comprehensive, evidence-based meta-analysis concisely presents the evidence of decreased sperm concentration in European male over the past 50 years to serve the scientific research zone related to male reproductive health.