Regional differences in semen quality in Europe

Recent reports have indicated a decrease in semen quality of men in some co untries, and suggested regional differences. A study was undertaken of seme n samples from 1082 fertile men from four European cities (Copenhagen, Denm ark; Paris, France; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Turku, Finland). Semen analysi s was standardized, interlaboratory differences in assessment of sperm conc entration were evaluated, and morphology assessment centralized. Lowest spe rm concentrations and total counts were detected for Danish men, followed b y French and Scottish men. Finnish men had the highest sperm counts. Men fr om Edinburgh had the highest proportion of motile spermatozoa, followed by men from Turku, Copenhagen and Paris. Only the differences between Paris/Ed inburgh and Paris/Turku were statistically significant (P < 0.003 and P < 0 .002 respectively). No significant differences in morphology were detected. A general seasonal variation in sperm concentration (summer 70% of winter) and total sperm count (summer 72% of winter) was detected. Semen quality o f a 'standardized' man (30 years old, fertile, ejaculation abstinence of 96 h) were estimated. Typically, sperm concentrations (x 10(6)/ml) for winter /summer were: Turku 132/93; Edinburgh 119/84; Paris 103/73; and Copenhagen 98/69. These differences in semen quality may indicate different environmen tal exposures or lifestyle changes in the four populations. However, it rem ains to be seen whether such changes can account for these differences. The se data may also serve as a reference point for future studies on time tren ds in semen quality in Europe.