Male infertility and subsequent risk of cancer development

Abstract

Infertility occurs in 15% of the population; and 30-50% of the time, the problem is due to a male factor. There is active research attempting to elucidate how male factor infertility fits into the picture of overall men's health. Research in the past has established that a thorough male fertility evaluation can uncover various medical pathologies. There is now growing evidence that suggests male infertility is a potential harbinger for subsequent cancer development. In this review of pertinent articles, the current evidence regarding fertility and development of genitourinary and other cancers will be discussed, in particular, testicular and prostate cancer. In addition, various etiologic factors that explain the pathophysiology of infertility and progression to cancer will also be reviewed. It is possible that male factor infertility is a surrogate marker for subsequent cancer development.