Exploring the Association between Sperm
Count Decrease and Depression Increase in
the Male Population: A Comparative
Analysis
Rashid Huseyn
for
Ms. Issaeva, MDM4U
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Table of Contents:
● Introduction and Background
● Analysis
● Results
● Conclusion
● References
● Survey
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Introduction and Background:
The focus of this research project is to investigate the relationship
between declining sperm count and the increasing prevalence of depression
among males. This will be done by analyzing and answering three major
questions that will allow to develop a good understanding of the matter:
1. What is sperm count and why is it important?
2. How does it affect male mood and behavior?
3. What is happening to the sperm count?
4. What is the relationship between sperm count and depression in
men?
Sperm count refers to the measurement of the number of sperm cells
present in a semen sample. It is a crucial parameter used to evaluate male
reproductive health and fertility potential. Sperm count is an important factor
because it directly relates to a man's ability to conceive a child with his
partner. A higher sperm count generally indicates a higher probability of
successful fertilization. In addition to fertility, sperm count is also an indicator
of overall reproductive function and hormonal balance in males. Changes in
sperm count can provide valuable insights into potential underlying health
issues, such as hormonal imbalances, testicular disorders, or lifestyle factors
that may affect sperm production. Monitoring sperm count is therefore
essential in assessing male reproductive health and identifying any potential
challenges or concerns related to fertility.
Analysis:
Multiple systematic analyses and studies have consistently
demonstrated a connection between low sperm count and the manifestation
of symptoms associated with major depression. A 2013 research “The Effect of
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Testosterone Levels on Mood in Men: A Review” by Massachusetts General
Hospital, Harvard Medical School, indicates that a decline in sperm count is
often associated with decreased testosterone levels, which, in turn, renders
males more susceptible to a range of physical and psychological symptoms.
These symptoms include fatigue, irritability, decreased muscle mass,
increased body fat, dysphoria, loss of libido, and symptoms closely aligned
with episodes of major depression.
The Rancho Bernardo Study, a research on older men found that lower
levels of bioavailable testosterone were associated with depressed mood. The
study included 856 men aged 50-89 and measured hormone levels and
assessed mood using the Beck Depression Inventory. Bioavailable
testosterone and bioavailable estradiol decreased with age, while total
testosterone and estradiol did not. Depressed mood increased with age. Low
bioavailable testosterone levels and high depression scores were linked to
weight loss and lack of physical activity. The men included in the study were
ambulatory and gave written, informed consent. They were selected from the
participants who attended the clinic visit during the specified time frame and
met a certain criteria.
Furthermore, recent research has shed light on a concerning decline in
sperm count over time. Recent research has indicated a concerning decline in
sperm count over time. A comprehensive study focusing on sperm count over
a 57-year period revealed a troubling trend. Between 1964 and 2014, sperm
count was found to decline at a rate of 1% per year, which accelerated to 2.64%
per year from 2014 to 2019. This suggests that sperm count in men has
potentially halved since 1964. Similar trends have been observed regarding
fertility and testosterone levels in the male population.
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The decisions in the sampling technique and assumptions of this study
were made to ensure a comprehensive and robust analysis of human sperm
count (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) trends. The researchers conducted a
systematic literature review to minimize bias and identify relevant studies
published during a specific time frame (2014-2019). By searching two major
databases (PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE), a wide range of studies were
included, enhancing the generalizability of the findings. To increase the
statistical power and precision of the meta-analysis, the researchers
combined the newly identified studies with their previous meta-analysis,
resulting in a larger sample size (223 studies) and a longer time span of
semen sample collection (1973-2018). This decision allowed for a more
comprehensive assessment of long-term trends in SC and TSC. Weighted
meta-regression was used to adjust for predetermined covariates and
examine potential modifications by fertility status and continents. This
approach enabled the exploration of various factors that could influence SC
and TSC trends, providing a more nuanced understanding of the results.
Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to test assumptions, including
the linearity of the data. These analyses aimed to evaluate the robustness of
the findings under different scenarios and strengthen the validity of the
conclusions. Overall, the decisions made in the sampling technique and
assumptions were intended to maximize the reliability and generalizability of
the results, ensuring a rigorous and comprehensive analysis of human SC and
TSC trends.
To conduct a survey on the topic of declining sperm count and its
relationship with depression, the following steps would be taken. Firstly, the
target population, such as adult males within a specific age range, would be
defined. The survey instrument would include validated questions on sperm
count, depression symptoms, and lifestyle factors. Measures would be taken
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to ensure anonymity and confidentiality, and efforts would be made to
minimize non-response bias.
The decline in sperm count can be attributed to various factors,
categorized into two major groups: lifestyle factors and chemical factors. The
lifestyle changes brought about by the industrial revolution, such as reduced
physical activity and decreased food quality, are among the contributing
factors. Additionally, the widespread use of chemicals in everyday items like
plastics, fragrances, food dyes, and herbicides has introduced substances with
unknown side effects into our lives.
Let’s first take a look at Sperm Count concentration and Total Sperm
Count over years on the graphs provided below.
Figure 1a
Sperm concentration (SC) and total sperm count (TSC) in first and last years of
meta-regression analysis
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Figure 1b
Stratified meta-regression model for mean total sperm count (TSC) among
unselected men, by periods.
Figure 1c
Historical values of mean sperm concentration
It is evident that SC concentration and TSC are rapidly declining over
the world at a concerning rate. But the effect of this decline on male mental
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health was made evident by the The Rancho Bernardo Study, that was
discussed above.
Figure 2
BDI (Depression Test Score) vs. Bioavailable Testosterone
The two major discoveries, decreasing sperm count and strong
negative correlation between Beck Depression Inventory and Testosterone,
suggest a potential increase in depression rates among males. Some available
information on depression rates supports this notion. A 2016 report by Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention discovered that Suicide rates for males
aged 15–74 were significantly higher in 2016 compared with 2000 among
males. See Figure 3.
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Figure 3
Suicide rates for males aged 15-74, comparing the rates in 2016 to those in 2000.
Among males aged 15–24 (20.5 and 17.1, respectively), 25–44 (26.2 and
21.3), 45–64 (29.1 and 21.3), and 65–74 (25.9 and 22.7). Suicide rates were 3.6
times higher in males than in females. However, Statistics Canada provides a
different breakdown of the matter. Unfortunately, there is no gender specific
data for male depression. However, there is gender specific, age standardized
suicide rate for the male population, presented in figure 4.
Figure 4
Gender-specific, age-standardized suicide rates for the male population
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Results:
The correlation between data used for figures 1(a,b,c) and figure 4 doesn’t
exceed -0.2134, which is considered to be negligible, yet still negative.
The analysis has certain limitations that should be acknowledged.
Measuring depression can be challenging due to its subjective nature and the
potential for biases in self-report measures. Additionally, the observed
correlation between declining sperm count and depression does not
establish causation, as other factors may be involved. Developing effective
treatments to address declining sperm count and its potential impact on
mental health is a complex task that requires a deep understanding of
underlying causes and careful research. Therefore, while the analysis provides
valuable insights, it is important to consider these limitations and continue
further research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the
relationship between declining sperm count and mental health.
Future studies can address these limitations by conducting long-term
longitudinal studies, employing a multidimensional assessment approach,
exploring lifestyle and environmental factors, comparing diverse populations,
and conducting mechanistic investigations. These approaches will provide a
more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between declining
sperm count and depression, informing targeted interventions and policies.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this analysis highlights the issue of declining sperm
count and indicates a need for further research.. The findings suggest that
low sperm count is associated with symptoms of major depression. However,
it's important to note that the observed correlation does not establish
causation, and measuring depression can be subjective. Future research
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should focus on longitudinal studies, multidimensional assessments, and
exploration of lifestyle and environmental factors to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of this relationship. Overall, further research is
needed to develop targeted interventions and policies to address male
reproductive health and mental well-being.
References:
1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. (2013). The
Effect of Testosterone Levels on Mood in Men: A Review.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0033318213001333#a
bs0020.
2. Bioavailable Testosterone and Depressed Mood in Older Men: The
Rancho Bernardo Study https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/84/2/573/2864323#74084146
3. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and
meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and
21st centuries https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/29/2/157/6824414
4. Estrogeneration - 2017 Edition Dr. G. Jay
5. Suicide Rates in the United States Continue to Increase - 2016,
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db309.htm?utm_source=
yahoo&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=in-text-link#fig3
6. Suicide rates: An overview - 2016,
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-624-x/2012001/article/desc/11696
-01-desc-eng.htm
7. All of the Data Sources and Tables are available at.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Yryx0yJWrSxLqQlMwS_9bAne
U9nM0P1ziRQnyLhW8iQ/edit#gid=1720159592
*Some correlations are concluded in the sheet.
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Survey:
1. Demographic Information:
a. Age:
2. Sperm Count Assessment. Please answer the following questions based
on any available medical test results or prior consultations with
healthcare professionals:
a. Have you ever undergone a sperm count analysis? (Yes/No)
b. If yes, please provide your approximate sperm count (if available):
c. Have you noticed any changes in your sperm count over the
years? (Increased/Decreased/No Change/Not Applicable)
3. Potential Contributing Factors.
a. Physical Activity: How often do you engage in regular physical
exercise? (Daily/Several times a week/Once a week/Rarely/Never)
b. Dietary Habits: How would you describe the overall quality of your
diet? (Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor)
c. Exposure: To which of the following products/chemicals are you
frequently exposed to?
Plastics
Tap Water
Soap, Sunscreen, Skin Care Products
Food Dyes RED#3 and RED#40
Fragrances
Marijuana, Lavender, Flax seeds, Soy, Licorice, Fenugreek, sesame,
tempeh etc.,
Chemical Contraceptives
4. Lifestyle Factors:
a. Are you currently following a regular exercise routine? (Yes/No)
b. On average, how many hours per day do you sit?
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5. Mental Health Assessment. Please indicate the presence and severity of
the following symptoms experienced in the past six months:
a. Energy Levels: Always Fatigued/Mild/Moderate/Always Energetic
b. What is your BMI?
c. How would you rate your satisfaction with your life on a scale of 1
to 10?
6. Stress Levels:
a. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being minimal stress and 10 being
extreme stress, please rate your overall stress levels.
b. Are you currently receiving any form of stress management or
psychological support? (Yes/No)
For my survey, I would target a specific group, such as males aged 20-40
living in urban areas.
For sampling, stratified random sampling to ensure representation across
relevant subgroups. Divide the target population into strata based on age and
certain survey responses.
I would administer the survey using an online, GPT based chatbot. It will be
able to provide clear instructions and answer any questions user’s may have
right away. People will feel comfortable sharing the information with an AI,
instead of a person. Additionally, by offering participants a “fertility score” or a
similar estimate, people will be encouraged to participate.
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