Is farming a occupational hazard for severe male factor infertility?

Objective – To study the incidence of male factor infertility and type of semen abnormality in the farmer couple attending our infertility outpatient clinic. MethodDatabase of 3100 patients with male factor infertility were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided in two groups for analysis: group 1 – farmer , group 2 – non farmer. Records of semen analysis and serum FSH (Follicle stimulating hormone) were analyzed for two groups. Appropriate statically test was done to study the difference in two groups. Results –Out of 3100 patients, there were 18.6% patients in farmer group 1 and -81.4%in group 2. Prevalence of semen abnormality was 33.3% of total semen abnormality which showed farmer are having higher prevalence of semen abnormality (p<0.005). Age of males presenting to infertility clinic is significantly less in farmers (p<0.005). Farmers are having higher prevalence of severe semen abnormality and also higher prevalence of non-obstructive azoospermia. ConclusionFarmers are increased risk of severe male factor infertility. This is likely attributed to pesticides exposure.