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What’s happened to sperm? – podcast
UK NewsHealthJuly 14, 2026 at 3:00 AMNational

What’s happened to sperm? – podcast

By Presented by Helen Pidd with Michael Carroll and Toby Trice; produced by Ruth Abrahams, Alex Atack and Ross Burns; executive producers Sami Kent and Homa KhaleeliThe Guardian - UK News

Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should knowWhen we talk about infertility, the focus tends to be on the woman. After some basic tests, IVF is often seen as a solution. But half of the time, infertility is caused by issues with the man’s sperm. And sperm counts are on the decline worldwide.Toby Trice tells Helen Pidd about how he and his wife spent years trying to conceive and had had two rounds of IVF before they discovered a problem with his testicles was behind their difficulties. He says he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame afterwards. Yet his issues were resolved with a routine operation. Continue reading...

Sperm counts are in decline worldwide, and testosterone levels are said to be plunging, but male infertility still carries a stigma. Prof Michael Carroll on what every man should know

When we talk about infertility, the focus tends to be on the woman. After some basic tests, IVF is often seen as a solution. But half of the time, infertility is caused by issues with the man’s sperm. And sperm counts are on the decline worldwide.

Toby Trice tells Helen Pidd about how he and his wife spent years trying to conceive and had had two rounds of IVF before they discovered a problem with his testicles was behind their difficulties. He says he struggled with feelings of guilt and shame afterwards. Yet his issues were resolved with a routine operation.

Continue reading...