Context.— The sex ratio of 1.06:1, the ratio of male to female births, has declined
over the past decades. Recent reports from a number of industrialized countries
indicate that the proportion of males born has significantly decreased, while
some male reproductive tract disorders have increased.
Objectives.— To examine the evidence for declines in the male proportion at birth
and suspected causes for this decline, and to determine whether altered sex
ratio can be considered a sentinel health event.
Data Sources.— Birth records were analyzed from national statistical agencies.
Study Selection.— Published analyses of trends in ratio of males to females at birth and
studies of sex determinants evaluating epidemiological and endocrinological
factors.
Data Extraction.— Proportion of males born: 1950-1994 in Denmark; 1950-1994 in the Netherlands;
1970-1990 in Canada; and 1970-1990 in the United States.
Data Synthesis.— Since 1950, significant declines in the proportion of males born have
been reported in Denmark and the Netherlands. Similar declines have been reported
for Canada and the United States since 1970 and parallel declines also have
occurred in Sweden, Germany, Norway, and Finland. In Denmark, the proportion
of males declined from 0.515 in 1950 to 0.513 in 1994. In the Netherlands,
the proportion of males declined from 0.516 in 1950 to 0.513 in 1994. Similar
declines in the proportion of males born in Canada and the United States are
equivalent to a shift from male to female births of 8600 and 38000 births,
respectively. Known and hypothesized risk factors for reduced sex ratio at
birth cannot fully account for recent trends.
Conclusion.— Patterns of reduced sex ratio need to be carefully assessed to determine
whether they are occurring more generally, whether temporal or spatial variations
are evident, and whether they constitute a sentinel health event.