Environmental factors and male fertility

Background. The identification of potential environmental hazards may have clinical relevance for diagnosis of male infertility. Knowledge about these factors will improve prevention of fertility disorders. Results. Apart from drugs or factors related to lifestyle such as alcohol and tobacco smoke, various environmental and occupational agents, both chemical and physical, may impair male reproductive functions. With regard to the complex regulation of the male reproductive system, the available information concerning single exogenous factors and their mechanisms of action in humans is limited. This is also due to the fact that extrapolation of results obtained from experimental animal studies remains difficult. Conclusion. Nevertheless, the assessment of relevant exposures to reproductive toxicants should be carefully evaluated during diagnostic procedures of andrological patients.