Summary
This narrative review by leading reproductive epidemiologists examines environmental and lifestyle drivers of declining human fertility observed across developed nations since the mid-20th century. The authors synthesise evidence implicating chemical exposures (including pesticides and plasticisers), dietary quality, obesity, physical inactivity, and stress as contributing factors to declining semen quality and reproductive outcomes. The paper appears to argue that both individual behaviours and broader food system and chemical regulatory contexts merit urgent attention as part of a holistic approach to reversing fertility decline.
UK applicability
UK reproductive health practitioners and public health bodies may find this review relevant for contextualising declining fertility trends within the United Kingdom and informing preventive health messaging around diet, weight, and chemical exposure. However, the review does not specifically address UK farming systems, food regulation, or population-level interventions applicable to UK policy.
Key measures
Semen quality parameters, reproductive hormone levels, testicular function, sperm concentration and motility, fertility rates, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Outcomes reported
The study examined environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors implicated in declining fertility rates and reproductive health outcomes, particularly semen quality and other markers of reproductive function. The review synthesised evidence on the role of chemical exposures, dietary patterns, obesity, and other modifiable risk factors in human reproductive decline.
Topic tags
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