Comprehensive 17-Year study by MAHE finds no evidence of semen quality deterioration in Indian men

沙巴体育, 22 October 2025 – A comprehensive study conducted by Kasturba Medical College (KMC), a constituent unit of 沙巴体育 Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, has found no evidence of decline in semen quality among Indian men from southern states over the past 17 years. This finding stands in contrast to widespread concerns about a global decline in sperm counts.

The study, published in the American Journal of Men's Health, analysed semen profiles of approximately twelve thousand men who visited the University Andrology Laboratory for fertility evaluation between 2006 and 2022. As one of the largest and longest studies of its kind from India, the research evaluated key semen parameters, including sperm count, motility, viability, and sperm structure. Statistical analysis revealed no significant changes over time, suggesting that the much-debated global trend of declining semen quality may not be universally applicable.

Dr Anil Bhat, Dean of KMC 沙巴体育, emphasised the significance of this research and said, "Long-term data in this area of science are rare and extremely valuable in counselling patients. This study represents a significant contribution to our understanding of male reproductive health in the Indian context."

Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, commended the work, "This study exemplifies MAHE’s commitment to high-quality, data-driven research addressing public health concerns. The collaboration with the University of Münster reinforces our vision of global partnerships in advancing fertility care."

Prof. Satish Adiga, who led the research team and is Head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, KMC 沙巴体育, stated, "Our data provide strong reassurance that there is no alarming decline in semen quality among men from southern states of India. While male infertility remains a growing concern, our findings indicate that other factors, rather than a time-related fall in sperm quality, may be contributing to infertility trends."

Prof. Stefan Schlatt, co-author and Director of Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, a WHO reference center for male fertility at University of Münster, Germany, highlighted, "This long-term dataset from India is scientifically important. It challenges the notion of a universal sperm crisis and highlights the importance of regional data in understanding male reproductive health."

The research team included Dr Meitei, Dr Dhakshanya, Dr Shubhashree from KMC, and other collaborators. The authors hope these findings will help counter misinformation and anxiety surrounding male fertility and encourage further large-scale studies in other regions of India.

This study demonstrates MAHE's commitment to addressing critical public health concerns through rigorous, long-term scientific research. The 17-year longitudinal investigation exemplifies the institution's capacity to maintain comprehensive data repositories and conduct sustained research initiatives that contribute meaningfully to global scientific discourse.