New research sheds light on how environmental and occupational factors impact male fertility, revealing that proximity to power lines may enhance semen quality while living near chemical factories could be detrimental. The study emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of these factors in the context of rising infertility rates.
By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.Sep 25 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. A recent Scientific Reports study investigates environmental and occupational factors that affect semen quality.
Infertility is defined as failure to conceive after 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. In approximately 40% of infertile couples, men were found to be responsible for the condition. However, some studies have not reported any association between semen quality and occupation. These contradictory views indicate the need for more research to confirm whether certain occupations affect semen quality in men.
About the study The current study assesses how environmental and occupational factors influence male fertility. Three questionnaires based on demographic characteristics, living environmental factors, and occupational effects were developed considering the living habits of typical Chinese people. All participants were requested to abstain from sexual activity for at least three to seven days from the date of analysis. Semen quality assessment comprised evaluation of semen pH, volume, count, concentration, progressive motility, and total motility.
Comparatively, individuals living close to chemical factories exhibited poor semen concentration. These observations corroborate previous reports that industrial chemicals have a harmful effect on semen quality.