The Handmaid’s Tale and counting sperm: are fertility rates actually declining?

Prof Shaun Roman

writer

Prof Shaun Roman

Senior Lecturer, University of Newcastle

Prof Shaun Roman

With the release of a new TV series based on Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and a recent study claiming male sperm count is decreasing globally, fertility is in the spotlight. Many want to know if the dystopian future Atwood created in which the world has largely become infertile, is in fact possible. And are we on our way there already?

What this latest study found

The recent paper that hit headlines all over the world highlighted the issue of declining sperm numbers in Western men.

PASSWORD RESET

Forgot your password or password not working? Please enter your email address. You will receive an email with the link to set a new password.

Icon 2

NEXT LIVE Webcast

:
Days
:
Hours
:
Minutes
Seconds
Dr Gabby Mahoney

Dr Gabby Mahoney

Allergen Introduction – Practical Tips for GPs

Prof Brendon Yee, A/Prof Ralph Audehm

Prof Brendon Yee, A/Prof Ralph Audehm

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Join us for the next free webcast for GPs and healthcare professionals

High quality lectures delivered by leading independent experts

Share this

Share this

Prof Shaun Roman

writer

Prof Shaun Roman

Senior Lecturer, University of Newcastle

Test your knowledge

Recent articles

Latest GP poll

The government told the public that the average GP is earning $280k per year. Do you think this figure is:

Very overestimated

0%

Moderately/slightly overestimated

0%

Quite accurate

0%

Moderately/slightly underestimated

0%

Very underestimated

0%

Find your area of interest

Once you confirm you’ve read this article you can complete a Patient Case Review to earn 0.5 hours CPD in the Reviewing Performance (RP) category.

Select ‘Confirm & learn‘ when you have read this article in its entirety and you will be taken to begin your Patient Case Review.

Save $160 when you register for a 2026 seminar today!

You're invited to attend the Women's & Children's Health Update 2026, Australia's most popular seminar for GPs and healthcare professionals. Secure your seat to a seminar in a city near you!