Many scientific reports confirm a systematic decline in male semen parameters over the last decades. This phenomenon has been observed in all parts of the world, and its occurrence is associated, among others, with the hazardous effects of some environmental factors. The environmental factors for which the adverse effect on male fertility has been proven include water, air, and soil pollution, as well as electromagnetic fields and ionizing radiation. The aim of this article was the evaluation of the effect of selected environmental factors on male reproductive capacity based on an analysis of the current scientific reports.
A systematic literature review was carried out using three databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus. The search was limited to the period from 2015 until the end of December 2023. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Environmental factors, such as heavy metals, tobacco smoke, pesticides, dioxins, furans, phthalates, and bisphenols, are well-tested substances that exert an adverse effect on male fertility. A harmful effect of electromagnetic fields and water and air pollution on reproductive functions may be expected; however, this has not been fully proven.
Results obtained by many researchers published to date should evoke great concern regarding the quality of the environment in which we live, as well as fears about the effect of environmental factors not only on male fertility, but also on all aspects of human health. The majority of environmental pollutants affect the male body by causing oxidative stress and through their effect on the endocrine system.
Journal of clinical medicine. 2024 Mar 29*** epublish ***
Natalia Wdowiak, Kamila Wójtowicz, Anita Wdowiak-Filip, Weronika Pucek, Andrzej Wróbel, Jan Wróbel, Artur Wdowiak
Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 4-6 Street, 20-081 Lublin, Poland., Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Municipal Hospital, Saint Michael the Archangel in Łańcut, Parens, Infertility Clinic in Rzeszów, 35-309 Rzeszów, Poland., Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland., National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland., Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland., Medical Faculty, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.