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Trends in semen quality in a non-industrialized population from the Salamanca area, Spain, during the last 30 years

Abstract:

Background and objective: The objective was to analyze the secular trend in semen quality over the past 30 years (1978-2007) in a population-based study in Salamanca, Western Spain. Information about this issue in non-industrialized areas of Southern Europe is lacking. Subjects and Methods: We analyzed semen quality in 612 consecutive healthy normospermic subjects derived to our unit for andrologic evaluation. The study was performed at a single Centre and a single highly experienced technician made all analyses at the same laboratory. Results: The age of the subjects at diagnosis increased, while the time interval of childless relationships before consultation decreased over time. Semen volume and sperm counts decreased while sperm motility increased over this period. Motile density per ejaculate showed a clearly decreasing trend. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a decrease in semen quality over the last 30 years in the area of Salamanca in western Spain, suggesting that non-industrial-related factors may be involved in decreasing semen quality. © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.