Declining Conception Rates in Danish Women Linked to Male Reproductive Health
Author Information
Author(s): Tina Kold Jensen, Tomáš Sobotka, Martin A Hansen, Anette Tønnes Pedersen, Wolfgang Lutz, Niels E Skakkebæk
Primary Institution: Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hypothesis
Is the decline in conception rates among younger Danish women related to deteriorating male reproductive health?
Conclusion
The study found that declining total natural conception rates among younger cohorts of Danish women may be linked to poor semen quality in their male partners.
Supporting Evidence
- 20% of young men in Denmark have poor semen quality.
- Lower conception rates among younger women may be linked to their partners' poor sperm quality.
- Use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased among younger couples.
- Induced abortion rates have declined among younger cohorts.
- Social and economic factors also influence fertility trends.
Takeaway
The study suggests that many young men in Denmark have poor sperm quality, which might be making it harder for their partners to get pregnant.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from Danish birth and abortion registries and the Danish registry for assisted reproduction to evaluate trends in conception rates.
Potential Biases
Potential overestimation of ART births as some women may conceive naturally after ART treatment.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the proportion of ART births and the impact of ART on fertility due to incomplete data on IUI treatments and historical ART cycles.
Participant Demographics
Native Danish women born between 1960 and 1980.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website