I think that a worthwhile bit of research would be to look into the populations that undergo sperm count testing.
I am not saying that the decrease isn't happening, and the salutary effects are actually welcome to those who feel the population needs a good trim (me!). But I am thinking that a component of this decrease may well be traced to a really funny (not really funny) intro to a movie.
I am kinda wondering about the nature of the sample collection process itself. I tend to think that these samples are collected in fertility clinics the sample will be heavily slanted toward addressing infertility. I also suppose that there is an age component to this kind of thing and the age cohort for childbearing does appear to be moving upwards in developed countries (where most of this testing is performed).
Look, I find the studies heartening, you might say that we are looking at natures birth control, but before we get all excited, let's really consider the nature of the data being presented.
The trend toward "bottoming out" of human male fertility (in terms of sperm count) was obvious 40 years ago, when I was practising urology. Then, the major part of the blame was put on "xenoestrogens".
It is more likely however that the progressive reduction in sperm count is the result of a heightened prevalence of stress-related intracellular hypothyroidism (low T3 syndrome), due to rising societal anxiety.
Note AI's response: "Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can negatively impact male fertility by affecting sperm production, quality, and overall reproductive health. Specifically, it can lead to lower sperm counts, reduced sperm motility (movement), and even sperm morphological abnormalities" – AI continues, "Hypothyroidism can decrease the production of key hormones like TSH, FSH, and LH, which are crucial for sperm development and production in the testes." and
"Lower Sperm Quality:
The thyroid gland plays a role in maintaining the proper environment for sperm development, and a lack of thyroid hormone can lead to poor sperm morphology (shape) and reduced sperm motility. "
Further, AI remarks on the impact of hypothyroidism on Testosterone:
"Hypothyroidism can also reduce testosterone levels, which are essential for male sexual function and sperm production. "
On Sperm Transit Time:
"One study suggests that hypothyroidism can increase the sperm transit time through the epididymis, which can further impact sperm production and quality."
And Other Reproductive Concerns:
"Beyond sperm count and quality, hypothyroidism can also contribute to other reproductive issues like erectile dysfunction and low libido".
For further comment, please see my new post, "human infertility in the 21st century"
Not meaning to be snarky, but in a resource constrained, overpopulated plant, that particular adaptation appears to be a feature, not a bug.
Of course! The problem is that extinction may be a case of overadaptation.
dear professor bardi do you than mean it will not by a running out of resource collapse ?
I think that a worthwhile bit of research would be to look into the populations that undergo sperm count testing.
I am not saying that the decrease isn't happening, and the salutary effects are actually welcome to those who feel the population needs a good trim (me!). But I am thinking that a component of this decrease may well be traced to a really funny (not really funny) intro to a movie.
https://youtu.be/sP2tUW0HDHA
I am kinda wondering about the nature of the sample collection process itself. I tend to think that these samples are collected in fertility clinics the sample will be heavily slanted toward addressing infertility. I also suppose that there is an age component to this kind of thing and the age cohort for childbearing does appear to be moving upwards in developed countries (where most of this testing is performed).
Look, I find the studies heartening, you might say that we are looking at natures birth control, but before we get all excited, let's really consider the nature of the data being presented.
The trend toward "bottoming out" of human male fertility (in terms of sperm count) was obvious 40 years ago, when I was practising urology. Then, the major part of the blame was put on "xenoestrogens".
It is more likely however that the progressive reduction in sperm count is the result of a heightened prevalence of stress-related intracellular hypothyroidism (low T3 syndrome), due to rising societal anxiety.
Note AI's response: "Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can negatively impact male fertility by affecting sperm production, quality, and overall reproductive health. Specifically, it can lead to lower sperm counts, reduced sperm motility (movement), and even sperm morphological abnormalities" – AI continues, "Hypothyroidism can decrease the production of key hormones like TSH, FSH, and LH, which are crucial for sperm development and production in the testes." and
"Lower Sperm Quality:
The thyroid gland plays a role in maintaining the proper environment for sperm development, and a lack of thyroid hormone can lead to poor sperm morphology (shape) and reduced sperm motility. "
Further, AI remarks on the impact of hypothyroidism on Testosterone:
"Hypothyroidism can also reduce testosterone levels, which are essential for male sexual function and sperm production. "
On Sperm Transit Time:
"One study suggests that hypothyroidism can increase the sperm transit time through the epididymis, which can further impact sperm production and quality."
And Other Reproductive Concerns:
"Beyond sperm count and quality, hypothyroidism can also contribute to other reproductive issues like erectile dysfunction and low libido".
For further comment, please see my new post, "human infertility in the 21st century"