This week, a group of scientists published noteworthy data indicating that over the past 50 years, the average testosterone level in men has nearly halved. The study, led by Professor Hagai Levine, has reignited discussions about a global reproductive crisis, which is frequently linked to environmental pollution, microplastics, and modern lifestyles. Some researchers even make more radical predictions, suggesting that if current trends continue, sperm concentration metrics could drop to zero by 2045.
However, this theory is not universally shared within scientific circles. Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, along with other leading specialists, believes there is no basis for global alarm. According to their research, a dramatic decline in sperm count is not confirmed, although they do acknowledge a noticeable deterioration in its quality. Furthermore, experiments have shown that laboratory tests conducted on animals, which demonstrated the harmful effects of environmental toxins (such as plasticizers) on a popular-science level, do not always function the same way in human tissues.
Experts agree that the male reproductive system is a mirror of overall health. Consequently, they view the sharp global rise in obesity and diabetes, rather than chemical pollution, as the primary cause of declining testosterone. Excess body fat disrupts hormonal signaling and converts testosterone into estrogen (the female hormone), directly impacting reproductive capacity.
Against this backdrop, specialists particularly warn men against self-administered hormone therapy. Contrary to popular trends on social media, using testosterone gels and injections can cause a counterproductive effect—the body may stop producing its own hormone, ultimately blocking sperm production. According to scientists, instead of panicking, the focus should be on a healthy lifestyle, accurate diagnostics, and modern technologies (such as artificial intelligence and microfluidics), which will create entirely new possibilities for treating infertility in the coming years.
