Time series analysis of sperm concentration in fertile men in Toulouse, France between 1977 and 1992.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether sperm production has changed during the past 16 years in the Toulouse area of France.


METHODS
Time series analysis of sperm donors' specimens between 1977 and 1992.


METHODS
Sperm bank of university hospital in Toulouse, France.


METHODS
302 healthy fertile men candidate sperm donors more than 20 and up to 45 years old and without any infertile brothers.


METHODS
Spermatozoa concentration.


RESULTS
Donors' mean age at time of donation was 34.05 (SD 5.13), but this increased significantly (P<0.001) during the study, from 32.4 in 1977 to 36 in 1992. Mean sperm count of samples was 83.12x10(6)/ml (SD 68.42x10(6)/ml). Sperm concentration was positively linked to the year of donation (Pearson's coefficient r=0.12, P<0.05), but this correlaton disappeared after adjustment for age of donors (r=0.09,P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Sperm concentration has not changed with time in the Toulouse area.
Bujan
L
L
CECOS Midi-Pyrenees, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Grave, 31052 Toulouse, France.
Mansat
A
A
Pontonnier
F
F
Mieusset
R
R
D000328:Adult; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000453:epidemiology; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013997:Time Factors