Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Male Fertility: A Comprehensive Review

Male fertility has been experiencing a concerning global decline, with growing evidence that environmental toxins and lifestyle factors play a pivotal role in this trend. Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can disrupt hormonal homeostasis, impair spermatogenesis, and lead to reduced sperm quality and quantity. EDCs interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking or blocking natural hormones, thereby disturbing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and impairing testicular function. In parallel, lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity, poor diet, psychological stress, and sedentary behavior exacerbate oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which are detrimental to sperm health. Heat exposure resulting from habits like using laptops on the lap or frequent sauna use further compromises sperm parameters by raising scrotal temperature and disturbing normal spermatogenesis. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms by which environmental and lifestyle factors contribute to male infertility. We also evaluate intervention strategies such as dietary modification, increased physical activity, stress management, and avoidance of environmental toxins, which show promise in improving reproductive outcomes. Additionally, we advocate for enhanced public health policies aimed at reducing environmental exposures that jeopardize male fertility. This paper offers clinicians and policymakers evidence-based guidance to address modifiable infertility factors and promote reproductive health through integrated environmental, behavioral, and societal approaches.

کلیدواژه ها:

Male Fertility ، Environmental Toxins ، Lifestyle Factors ، Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals