Men at risk: occupation and male infertility☆

There is accumulating evidence that workplace exposure to toxic substances contributes to male infertility. Men suffering from infertility problems may do well to look at their occupations, where exposure to certain substances may be a contributory factor, if not a direct cause, of infertility.

Most of the studies to date are either case reports or epidemiological studies (population-based, case-control, or cohort studies). Additional, controlled studies need to be done to ascertain the effects of occupational toxins on male infertility. Until then, men and their employers should work together to minimize exposure to these substances.