HUMAN SEMEN QUALITY

Since 1996, the Department of Growth and Reproduction has investigated the semen quality of young men from the general Danish population. We are also responsible for teaching standardized methods for semen analysis in labs around the world.

We have now semen data on more than 5000 young Danish men. These data suggest that semen quality in Danish men is disturbingly low. 14% have a semen concentration below 15 mio/mL, which is WHO’s lower limit for normal semen concentration. 42% have a semen concentration below 40 mio/mL, which, according to our studies, affects the ability to achieve pregnancy (see figure below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The currently ongoing projects listed below deals with aspects of male fertility and reproductive health:

Investigation of semen quality in young Danish men

Genetic reasons for male infertility

Does testicular function decrease with increasing age?

Influence of pre- and postnatal exposures on testicular function in men