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 Concern
 Treatment
Pregnancy
Experiences
Concern
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Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
The Workplace
Several environmental toxicants known to impair
reproductive function have been identified in the workplace during
the past 15 years. A variety of pesticides, some of the chemicals
used in paintings, printing inks and adhesives and metals such as
lead, cadmium and mercury all have an adverse effect on fertility.
From limited data, it appears that the human seminiferous
epithelium is more vulnerable to toxicants than is the testis of
other animals. The reproductive system is especially vulnerable
during development. Recently, the oestrogenic effect of several
environmental toxins has attracted attention as a possible cause of
sperm abnormalities and of the large reduction in ‘normal’ sperm
counts that has been noted in men in developed countries in the
past 50 years.
The hypothalamic-GnRH pulse generator, which controls gonadal
function, is affected by numerous hormonal, metabolic and neural
signals. Therefore, stress, under-nutrition, socio-economic
problems, emotional deprivation and drugs all affect the onset and
maintenance of reproductive function.
Lifestyle factors
Cigarette smoking has been shown to have a mild
but negative effect on spermatogenesis and may contribute to
infertility, for example, in men with a varicocele. The effects of
alcohol on male fertility are uncertain, although alcohol abuse
does lead to reduced fertility.
Drugs such as marijuana, anabolic
steroids, and cocaine may affect sperm counts. The effects of
marijuana on reproduction have been well established. Men who are
long-term marijuana smokers produce less sperm and tend to have
lower testosterone levels, less sperm motility, and more abnormally
shaped sperm than non-smokers. Likewise, chronic use of cocaine may
impair testosterone and sperm production, as well as libido.
Anabolic steroids can cause a profound decrease in sperm
production. Sometimes, this effect is irreversible.
Excessive exposure to heat, as from hot tubs or saunas, has been
shown to decrease sperm production, as the testes are normally
maintained at a temperature about 1°C below body temperature.
Hyperthermia as a result of viral infections may also cause a,
usually temporary, reduction in sperm count.
Lubricants
A number of products used for lubrication during
intercourse, such as petroleum jelly or vaginal creams, have been
shown to affect sperm quality. Ask your doctor to suggest a
lubricant that can be used safely while trying to conceive.
Medication
A number of medications, including some common
medications used to treat ulcers and high blood pressure, can
influence a man's sperm count and libido (sex drive).
Little is actually known about the effects on fertility of commonly
used drugs. Until recently, the safety studies did not include
assessment of the effects on the human gonads. Impaired semen
quality has been detected by chance during the use of drugs that
were given routinely before their toxic effect was known. For
example, sulphasalazine, which is used to treat inflammatory bowel
diseases, can drastically reduce semen quality. Although the
effects seem to be reversible when this drug is used in moderate
doses for a limited time, the production of spermatozoa may be
permanently impaired with long-term use.
Anabolic steroids, sometimes used illicitly by athletes and body
builders, have severe side effects on reproduction including
azoospermia or oligospermia.
 The numerous
cytotoxic drugs that are used to treat cancer and autoimmune
disease are potentially damaging for gonadal function because they
selectively kill rapidly dividing cells such as cancer cells, but
this also includes the germ cells. Because of the rapid, continual
cell division required to produce sperm, cytotoxic drugs often have
more dramatic effects in males than in females.
Discuss the effects of all prescription and over-the-counter
medications with your doctor.
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