A recent study reveals that men with a severe decline in fertility may be more susceptible to developing certain serious illnesses later in life, including certain types of cancer.
A research team from Lund University in Sweden has shown a link between poor male fertility and an increased risk of colorectal and thyroid cancer, adding a new dimension to understanding the relationship between reproductive health and general health.
This area of research is relatively new, as previous studies have indicated that declining male fertility may also be linked to an increased risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and metabolic disorders, in addition to a reduced life expectancy. Furthermore, men with low sperm counts in their semen have been shown to be among the most susceptible to serious health problems, while those with good sperm quality tend to live longer.
Researchers believe this link may stem from both genetic and lifestyle factors. Genetic defects, which manifest as poor sperm quality, can affect other bodily systems, increasing the likelihood of developing diseases. Epigenetic factors—related to environmental and lifestyle influences—also play a significant role, along with factors such as obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.
The study analyzed data from over 1.1 million Swedish men who became fathers for the first time between 1994 and 2014. Of these, approximately 14,500 men fathered children using in-vitro fertilization (IVF), a technique commonly used in cases of severe male infertility. Comparing their data with national cancer registries revealed that these men were significantly more likely to develop two types of cancer: colorectal cancer was nearly twice as likely to develop, and thyroid cancer was three times more likely, compared to other men.
However, researchers emphasize that this increase in risk remains limited at the general population level, and there is no evidence that fertility treatments themselves are the cause of these diseases.
These findings highlight the importance of viewing male fertility as a potential early indicator of general health, which could open the door to adopting early screening programs for the most vulnerable groups, especially with the increasing rates of some types of cancer among young people.
The researchers hope to expand the scope of the studies in cooperation with medical centers in Scandinavian countries, with the aim of identifying biomarkers, genetic and environmental factors that help predict future health risks, thus contributing to improved prevention and Learly detection.
