June 22, 2005

scientists react to news of chemicals which damage sperm

These comments are in response to findings presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology that certain chemicals found in soya and beer can damage sperm in the female reproductive tract.

Professor Richard Sharpe, Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Edinburgh University, said:

“This is interesting research with somewhat surprising results. The study is likely to have have been done well as it has been carried out by reputable scientists with lots of experience in the sperm function area. It could of course have human health/fertility implications as indicated by the authors. However, there are two pieces of information to keep in mind. First, oriental societies that traditionally eat a soy-rich diet (therefore lots of genistein) show no signs of reduced fertility of which I am aware. Second, effects on sperm in the laboratory are not necessarily directly related to what may happen in real life.”

Dr Allan Pacey, Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield and Secretary of the British Fertility Society, said:

“Most of our attention has been focused on the possible effects of oestrogenic compounds on the ability of the testicle to produce sperm. It is therefore quite worrying if low doses of these compounds can affect mature sperm as well.

“It’s early days, but clearly if what happens in the laboratory also occurs in the woman’s Fallopian tube as the sperm make their way to the egg, then there would be the potential for fertilisation to fail.”