Spaniards' semen quality is getting worse: these are the reasons, according to experts.

The quality of Spanish men's semen has been declining for several years now , which has serious implications for male fertility.

For example, a study conducted by the Bernabeu Institute of Reproductive Medicine found that many men in our country have sperm concentrations below the reference value established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Not only that, but the percentage of semen samples affected by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reached 42%.

Semen deterioration, a global phenomenon

Deteriorating semen quality is one of the main factors behind the rise in male infertility, which is also influenced by other factors, such as environmental and genetic factors.

The Instituto Bernabeu study analyzed more than 8,000 samples and detected a notable deterioration in some aspects of semen quality. For example, ejaculated volume has decreased by 17% in the last five years, which can directly affect the total motile sperm count. Morphology has also deteriorated to the point that currently only 1% of sperm per sample are considered normal, compared to 7% less than ten years ago.

Poor semen quality is not a uniquely Spanish problem, but a global phenomenon. Since 1973, a 51% decline in sperm concentration has been documented worldwide, leading the WHO to revise its semen quality standards in a context where male infertility is increasingly common.

Causes and recommendations

Specifically, this decline in semen quality is a growing concern in the field of reproductive health. Hormonal, immunological, genetic, and environmental alterations have been identified as potential causes; among the latter, exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides, industrial chemicals, tobacco and drug use, and certain medications, such as those intended to alleviate hair loss or anabolic steroids, stand out.

With this in mind, adopting some healthy lifestyle habits can help significantly improve semen quality. Specifically, these experts recommend maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding substance use, and reducing stress.

Finally, Instituto Bernabeu professionals cite some evidence that prolonged laptop use can increase testicular temperature due to the heat generated by the device. They also remind women that if they experience difficulty conceiving, it is advisable to consult with fertility and reproductive health specialists.

Up to 42% of the samples had STDs

Another factor that affects infertility and is on the rise is sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs), as they can directly affect semen quality. Diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or viruses like herpes simplex or human papillomavirus (HPV) affect semen quality. These infections can cause inflammation in the reproductive organs, hindering the production of healthy sperm and affecting male fertility.

In this regard, Instituto Bernabeu has recorded a significant increase in semen samples affected by STIs , rising from 32% in 2019 to 42% in 2024. These figures are particularly worrying considering, according to data cited by these experts, that up to 30% of male infertility cases are related to undiagnosed or poorly treated STIs.

For all these reasons, it is essential to receive appropriate medical treatment and, in some cases, follow-up care to prevent permanent damage to the reproductive organs.

References

Instituto Bernabeu (2025). Semen quality declines worldwide: Keys to the impact on male reproductive health. Accessed online at https://www.institutobernabeu.com/es/actualidad/la-calidad-del-semen-disminuye-a-nivel-mundial-claves-del-impacto-en-la-salud-reproductiva-del-hombre/ on May 12, 2025.

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