In today’s unhealthy lifestyle and stressful life, the problem of low sperm count has become common. Did you know that a father’s fertility can also affect the health of his children? A surprising study has confirmed that men with low or no sperm count have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer at an early age, especially for their children and other family members. So let’s find out why the risk of cancer increases 150 times in children born to fathers with low sperm count.
What was found in the research?
Scientists at the University of Utah conducted the largest and first study ever on this topic. They analyzed data from 786 men who received treatment at fertility clinics in Utah between 1996 and 2017. Of these, 426 men had azoospermia (sperm absent), while 360 had very low sperm counts (oligospermia). They compared them with normal men who had children and had normal sperm counts.
The risk of cancer increases 150 times in children of fathers with low sperm count.
The study found that the risk of cancer increased by 150 percent in families of men with low sperm count. Additionally, relatives of men with low sperm count also have an increased risk of several types of cancer. In families with men with low sperm count, the risk of bone and joint cancer increases by 156 percent, the risk of lymphoma by 60 percent, the risk of soft tissue cancer by 56 percent, the risk of thyroid cancer by 54 percent, and the risk of uterine cancer by 27 percent. Additionally, families with men with low sperm count have an increased risk of bone and joint cancer by 143 percent, risk of testicular cancer by 134 percent, and risk of colon cancer by 16 percent. However, a reduced cancer risk was found. It was esophageal cancer, where the risk was reduced by 61 percent.
Why is this threat increasing?
Scientists believe that when similar diseases appear in several members of the same family, there may be genetic or environmental factors behind it. University of Utah researcher Jomi Ramsey says that if cancer patterns are similar in families, it could mean that they have similar genes or lifestyle habits. This helps us understand the biological factors behind both infertility and cancer. Scientists are now sequencing the DNA of the genes in these families to find out which gene mutations cause this association.
What does low sperm count mean?
Normal sperm count is 15 million or more sperm per milliliter. If this number is less than 1.5 crore, it is called oligospermia. If sperm are completely absent, it is called azoospermia. Men with low sperm count often have reduced sperm motility and quality, reducing the chances of conceiving. It is estimated that 1 in 20 men experiences infertility. Sometimes this is due to genetic reasons, but in some cases, it is also caused by lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse, radiation, high temperatures or hormonal imbalance.
How is the effect of low sperm count manifested?
Research also found that men from families with low sperm counts have a higher risk of cancer across multiple generations. In some groups, cancer risk increases during puberty, while in many cases, cancer risk also increases during childhood. In some families, several types of cancer were found simultaneously. This shows that low sperm count is not just an individual problem; It may be linked to the genetic health of the entire family. In such a situation, researchers say that this study will help doctors understand which families are at higher risk of cancer and they can be advised for prevention and timely check-up.