Male Infertility

Running head: MALE INFERTILITY 1
Male Infertility
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MALE INFERTILITY 2
Risk Factors for Male Infertility
Infertility in men is a common problem that is attributed to different factors, including
environmental influences, biological factors, and lifestyle choices. Globally at least 15% of
couples are considered infertile, with 40 percent of the infertility is attributed to male factor
infertility (Durairajanayagam, 2018). This essay will discuss the environmental and lifestyle
contributes and risk factors to infertility in men.
Environmental factors
Men are exposed to various exogenous and environmental substances through different
channels. Chemical industries have significantly expanded in the recent past, both in developed
and developing nations, which contribute to the release of an excess of xenobiotics into the
ecosystem (Durairajanayagam, 2018). The male reproductive system is susceptible to the
environmental influences that are attributed to sterility. The chemicals included herbicides,
pesticides, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, wastes, and other industrial-based byproducts that can
enter the body in different forms (Kumar, Murarka, Mishra & Gautam, 2014). Exposure to
chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system is identified as one of the significant influences
attributed to the rise in infertility in men.
Heavy metals, including lead and mercury that are likely to be ingested by human beings
through contaminated foods and water or coming into contact with contaminated soils, have
significant impacts on fertility (Kumar et al., 2014). The heavy metals have been indicted for
having negative effects on the male reproductive system as they affect the spermatogenesis
process leading to impair semen quality (Kumar et al., 2014).

MALE INFERTILITY 3
Exposures to polychlorinated hydrocarbons and pesticides affect different organs of the
body. Exposure to pesticides affects various aspects and functions of the reproductive system,
including, spermatogenesis, abnormal sperm morphology, sperm count, and viability (Du Plessis,
Agarwal & Sabanegh, 2014). The chemicals affect the functions of the reproductive system
through the shift in the level of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormones, and luteinizing
hormone. Also, the chemicals affect the antioxidant enzymes in the male reproductive organs.
Men working in the agriculturally based industries are more probable to experience infertility in
comparison to those in other jobs (Rossi, Abusief & Missmer, 2016). The individuals are also at
risk of producing sperms that are likely to lead to congenital abnormalities in the fetus.
Reactive oxygen species have a deleterious impact on sperm parameters. The sperm
plasma membrane is sensitive to the effects of ROS as it comprises of high levels of unsaturated
fatty acids (Bisht, Faiq, Tolahunase & Dada, 2017). An increase in the ROS level in semen leads
to an imbalance between the antioxidant system and ROS production. The high levels of the
ROS level contribute to damage to sperm and death of the cell. Individuals exposed to high
levels of free radicals are more likely to develop irregular sperms and sperm count (Bisht et al.,
2017).
Lifestyle contributions
Obesity
Globally obesity has significantly increased, making it a major global problem.
According to research, infertility is highly prevalent in men with elevated body mass index.
Obesity is not only linked to major chronic disorders but also, there is a risk of developing
reproductive problems in obese men. Obese males have low sperm concentration compared to