Spatial-Temporal Characteristics of Semen Quality in Infertile Men in Wenzhou, China during 2010-2018

Background. Declining semen quality has become one of the most serious public health problems worldwide; however, the spatial-temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men remain unknown. Objective. To explore spatial-temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men in Wenzhou from 2010 to 2018 and thereby provide a scientific basis for development of strategies to enhance male reproductive health. Methods. We obtained 22,978 semen sample data from 2010 to 2018 from the Reproductive Medicine Center and Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China. Linear regression analyses and spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to study spatial-temporal characteristics of semen quality parameters. Results. Overall, from 2010 to 2018, mean values for total sperm number and semen volume showed linear increasing trends, and mean values for total sperm motility showed linear decreasing trend (all P<0.05). Cold spot analyses of progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm forms were also in main urban area of Wenzhou (Lucheng District, Ouhai District, Longwan District, and Dongtou District) and hot spot were also in nonmain urban area of Wenzhou (mainly including Taishun County, Pingyang County, and Wencheng County). However, hot spot analyses of total sperm number and semen volume were mainly in Dongtou District. Conclusions. The main urban area is the harder-hit area of semen quality, while for the islands area is the high-withdrawal area. Government departments need to pay more attention to improve male reproductive health in the main urban areas and actively control the potential influencing factors of male reproductive health, such as occupational exposure and life stress. Good environmental quality and plenty of seafood intake may be beneficial to semen quality.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the spatial-temporal characteristics of semen quality in infertile men in Wenzhou from 2010 to 2018. The results showed that there was a linear increase in total sperm number and semen volume, while total sperm motility showed a linear decrease. The main urban area was found to have a more severe decline in semen quality, while the island areas had better semen quality.