Male infertility, environment and lifestyle

Abstract

Background: Since the 1970s, there has been a quantitative and qualitative decline in sperm parameters. The main hypothesis to explain such a rapid evolution is the involvement of environmental and behavioral phenomena. Methods: A bibliographic search limited to English and French literature in men published before 7/2023 was carried out on the links between fertility and pollution, xenobiotics, tobacco, narcotics, cannabis, alcohol, weight, sport, sedentary lifestyle, sleep and anabolics. Results: Profound changes in lifestyle have occurred over the past 50 years: reduced sleep time, sedentary lifestyle, dietary changes, tobacco consumption, use of narcotics and anabolics. These changes have a proven impact on spermogram parameters, and should be corrected in an effort to optimize reproductive health. Other environmental parameters: pollution, exposure to heavy metals, exposure to xenobiotics, phthalates and pesticides… will be more difficult to exclude from patients’ daily lives, but deserve to be taken more into account. Conclusion: This review should help the urologist to assess and counsel patients in order to improve their reproductive health. These factors should be routinely investigated in infertile men.