Impact of environmental factors on human semen quality and male fertility: a narrative review

Abstract Background Worldwide rising trend in infertility has been observed the past few years with male arising as a major problem. One main reason for rise cases is declining semen quality. It was found that any factor affects quality can affect fertility. There are several modifiable factors affecting including air pollution, use of pesticides and harmful chemicals, exposure to excessive heat, lead decreased Main body The present review focuses on some these environmental hence, cause infertility. literature from 2000 till June 2021 searched various English peer-reviewed journals WHO fact sheets using USA National Library Medicine (PubMed) database, regional portal Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Online. search terms used were: “Air pollution fertility”, “Chemicals infertility”, “Heat “heavy metals fertility”. Conclusion Adverse have significant impact quality, leading sperm concentration, total count, motility, viability, increased abnormal morphology, DNA fragmentation, ultimately causing However, all reversible, by mere changing lifestyle, many risk be avoided.