A release from MAHE said the finding stands in contrast to widespread concerns about a global decline in sperm count.
A comprehensive study conducted by Kasturba Medical College (KMC), a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has found no evidence of decline in semen quality among South Indian men over the past 17 years.
A release from MAHE said the finding stands in contrast to widespread concerns about a global decline in sperm count. The study, published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, analysed semen profiles of approximately 12,000 men who visited the university’s andrology lLaboratory 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 the time, suggesting that the much-debated global trend of declining semen quality may not be universally applicable.
A release from MAHE said the finding stands in contrast to widespread concerns about a global decline in sperm count.
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KMC Manipal dean Anil Bhat emphasised the significance of the research and said: “Long-term data in this area of science is rare and extremely valuable in counselling patients. This study represents a significant contribution to our understanding of male reproductive health in the Indian context.”
MAHE Pro Vice-Chancellor Sharath Rao said: “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.”
Satish Adiga, who led the research team and is the head of the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, 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.”
“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,” said Stefan Schlatt, co-author and director of Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany.
The research team included Meitei, Dhakshanya, Shubhashree from KMC and other collaborators.
Published – October 23, 2025 10:52 pm IST
