The impact of semen quality, occupational exposure to environmental factors and lifestyle on recurrent pregnancy loss

This study aimed to investigate the effect of male semen quality, occupational exposure, and lifestyle on recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Information on couples' occupational exposure and lifestyle was collected using a detailed questionnaire from 68 RPL couples and 63 randomly selected healthy controls. Semen parameters were estimated by computer-assisted sperm analysis, and sperm nuclear status was detected with aniline blue (AB) staining. Patients in the RPL group had significantly lower viability, normal morphology, and total progressive motility of sperm, and a higher mean percentage of AB staining positive sperm compared with those of controls (P < 0.05). There were no differences in sperm concentration, and motility between the groups (P > 0.05). Significant odds ratio (OR) was found when occupational exposure and unhealthy habits were superimposed (OR: 11.965, P = 0.005). In addition to standard female factors for evaluating the risk for RPL, the use of male factors should also be taken into consideration. We found that sperm quality, occupational exposure, and lifestyle are factors that affect RPL. Consequently, occupational exposure and lifestyle factors should constitute an important section of questionnaires given to patients, and these factors should be evaluated by a clinician or trained staff.