Some occupations may adversely affect the quality and quantity of semen. The current and past occupations of all infertile males should be investigated.
Occupational exposures that may affect spermatozoa:
(1) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (coke oven workers, etc)
(2) heavy metals such as lead and mercury (welding, etc)
(3) pesticides
(4) organic solvents (glycol ethers, other)
(5) prolonged exposure to excessive heat
(6) radiation
(7) estrogenic compounds
Adverse effects on semen:
(1) reduced sperm concentration (suppression of spermatogenesis)
(2) abnormal morphology of spermatozoa
(3) abnormal sperm motility
The main outcome is infertility. In an older male the changes may go undetected.
