Is there really a decrease in sperm parameters among healthy young men? A survey of sperm donations during 15 years

Purpose: Our purpose was to measure changes in semen quality and quantity in young healthy sperm donors in Jerusalem over time. Methods: A retrospective analysis of semen parameters over 15 years using linear regression analysis, in a single sperm bank in a tertiary university center. Study population consisted of 188 young, healthy medical students, aged 20 to 30 years, who donated sperm samples for Artificial insemination between 1980 and 1995. Results: There were no statistically significant changes in semen concentration and motility during the study period. The mean semen volume increased by 0.1 ml (5.1%) per year (P < 0.0001), with a concomitant mean rise of 5.8 × 10⁶ (7.7%) per year in total motile sperm count. The percentage normal morphology decreased by a mean of 1.04% per year during the entire period (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: During the past 15 years, there has been an increase in total motile sperm count, secondary to an increase in semen volume, and a decline in normal morphology that are independent of the age and the duration of abstinence in fertile men.