Infertility affects 2.5 million males in the UK

A Norwich Union Healthcare report says that two and a half million men in the UK could have fertility problems - this is about 9% of the male population.

Many doctors say that smoking could be a factor. This is a puzzling conclusion - thirty years ago over 50% of the male population smoked, now less than 25% smoke, but fertility problems during this period have increased. Some doctors say alcohol may also play a part in this increase (we do not have statistics for alcohol consumption in the UK over the last 30 years among adult males).

Some doctors say stress could be playing a part.

Doctors say that the number of sperms per ejaculation has gone down significantly over the last 30 years. The quality of the sperm has also deteriorated.

There is concern that an increase in infertility will accelerate an already ageing population.

When couples have difficulty in conceiving a child, male infertility accounts for just over 30% of cases.

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