Final answer:
The term 'scientists warn of sperm count crisis' refers to the growing concerns regarding declining sperm counts in men. This decrease in sperm quantity and quality can impact fertility, prompting the use of treatments such as ICSI in severe cases. Age-related testosterone decline and lifestyle factors are among the concerns for this crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Scientists Warn of Sperm Count Crisis. When scientists warn of sperm count crisis, they are highlighting concerns over the decreasing sperm counts in men and its impact on fertility. Sperm production usually continues uninterrupted until death, and while a decrease at older ages is normal, there are signs that men of reproductive age are also showing declining trends. A young, healthy male may produce hundreds of millions of sperm a day, however, there are factors that could influence both the viability and quantity of sperm produced.
It's known that sperm count, sperm shape, and motility are vital to successful fertilization. In cases where sperm count is exceedingly low, procedures such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be necessary. This process involves the direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, bypassing the natural barriers that a sperm would typically need to overcome to achieve fertilization.
Factors such as age, wherein testosterone levels gradually decrease, can affect sperm production—known as andropause. While this decline rarely affects sperm production until very old age, it can lead to reduced quantity, quality, and motility of sperm over time. The importance of evaluating both partners for potential fertility issues is underscored when difficulties in conceiving arise, which includes the recommended semen analysis to check for sperm number, shape, and motility.