Effect of occupational exposures on male fertility: Literature review

Einat K. Sheiner, Eyal Sheiner, Rachel D. Hammel, Gad Potashnik, Refael Carel

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

157 Scopus citations

Abstract

The present review was aimed to determine the influence of working conditions, occupational exposures to potential chemical and physical reproductive toxic agents and psychological stress during work on male fertility. Significant associations were reported between impaired semen parameters and the following chemical exposures: metals (lead, mercury), pesticides (dibromochlorophane, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), ethylene glycol ethers and estrogens. The following physical exposures were shown to deteriorate sperm parameters: radiation (both ionized and microwaves) and heat. Psychological distress has another important contribution to infertility. Several studies indicated that stress has a negative impact on sperm parameters. Occupational parameters should be an important part of history taking among patients attending infertility clinics.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-62
Number of pages8
JournalIndustrial Health
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2003

Keywords

  • Male infertility
  • Occupational exposures
  • Psychological stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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