Something is happening to today's boys and men:
Around the world, fewer are being born compared with girls.
They're having more trouble in school.
Virility and fertility are down and testicular cancer rates are up.
And now, scientists say these "fragile males" may be more vulnerable than females to pollutants, affecting their development as early as the womb.
According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, the United States and Japan are going backward in their male populations. The two countries produced 262,000 fewer boys than girls from 1970 to 2000 because of a decline in the sex ratio at birth.
While it could just be a statistical hiccup, lead researcher Devra Davis she says the figure is "very worrisome."
Some Reasons for the Decline in Boys ...
1. Declining harvest -- Men in farm country have low sperm counts when compared to guys who live in the city. This makes scientists wonder if pesticides are hurting male fertility.
2. Downsizing -- While it's disputed by chemical companies, some researchers say they have found an everyday plastic compound that feminizes baby boys, causing their reproductive organs to be smaller.
3. Lost mojo -- If you're a middle-aged man, you're likely to be less virile than your father because you make less testosterone. In recent decades, the decline has averaged about 1% a year. If it continues over another generation or two, things could get bad.
