July 7, 2026

expert reaction to conference abstract from ESHRE on geographical differences in sperm parameters and influence of male lifestyle

A conference abstract presented at ESHRE looks at male lifestyle and geographical differences in sperm quality. 

Prof Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at the University of Manchester, said:

“It is notoriously difficult to compare semen analysis data from different laboratories, largely because subtle differences in measurement technique by human operators in each location can influence the result in systematic ways, even when they think they are using the same technique. We see this all the time in quality control programmes of laboratory performance. In the abstract, the authors do not elaborate about the relative performance of each laboratory involved in the study and so it is difficult to assess whether this is a real concern or not. Given that they have gone to great lengths to rule out lifestyle differences between the men involved at different locations, I understand why they might conclude why environmental difference such as air pollution are a possible cause of the differences in semen quality. But I would first like to see quality control data on laboratory performance before I would be willing to accept that conclusion.”

‘Does male lifestyle influence geographical differences in sperm parameters?’ by R. Nunez - Calonge et al. was presented at ESHRE. 00:01 UK time on Tuesday the 7th of July 2026. 

Declared interests

Prof Allan Pacey:  “AAP is a member of the Cryos International External Scientific Advisory Committee. In the last two years he has also undertaken consultancy for Carrot Fertility, and has delivered educational lectures for IBSA Institut Biochemique SA, and Mealis Group but all monies were paid to the University of Manchester. He is also the co-chair of the UKNEQAS Reproductive Sciences Advisory Committee, is a member of the Advisory Boards for the Progress Educational Trust (Charity Number 1139856) and the Science Media Centre (Charity Number 1140827) and Patron of the Fertility Alliance (Charity Number 1206323 (all unpaid). He is a member of the Guidelines Development Groups for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the World Health Organisation (again all unpaid).”