Environmental threats to male reproduction was first discovered around 30 years ago when sperm formation was shown to be severely impaired among agricultural workers and pesticide manufacturers. It is a well documented fact that exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, insecticides and herbicides can decrease sperm production and quality. Among men seeking infertility treatment, those who were exposed to pesticides were most likely to have a very low sperm output. What’s more, sperm concentration, output and morphology were all significantly worse in men more frequently exposed to pesticides.
Those living and working on a farm land, mixing and applying pesticides – including insect killers, weed killers as well as fungal killers and fungicides are potentially in danger of experiencing a low sperm count.
The Pesticide-Fertility Connection
It is important to note that many of the studies conducted on pesticides only examined people who live in an agricultural area or regularly work with pesticides. Therefore, an average person is not likely to have such a high-exposure to these chemicals. However the danger lies in the fact that even a low-level of exposure to pesticides has been found to cause health problems.
As infertility rates continue to rise in many countries, more and more studies are directed at possible environmental factors such as the effect of various chemicals, toxins and pesticides as a potential cause of infertility. Most tests have revealed alarming results. Pesticides have an adverse effect of causing health and reproductive problems in people who are continuously exposed to these strong chemicals. Here is a sampling of various findings:
- Chlorpyrifos has been found to cause autoimmune responses whereby the body attacks the sperm or egg
- DDT and chlordane are of particular concern as they have both been found to reduce sperm counts
- Many pesticides have proven links with reduced sperm counts, including ethylene dibromide (pesticide), kepone (pesticide) and DBCP (agricultural nematocide)
- Exposure to pesticides also leads to decreased levels of testosterone in men.
Pesticides in the home include indoor insect repellants and pesticides used in the garden. The combined exposure of using both types can be significant.
It’s not just men, but women also whose fertility may be disrupted by pesticide exposures. Women who live near crops on which pesticides have been sprayed may have anywhere from a 40 to 120% increased risk of miscarriage.
Tips for Safeguarding Fertility from Pesticide Exposure
- If your work involves handling chemicals consider if you can reduce the number of hours you are exposed to them. If this is not possible always wear gloves and a mask for protection.
- If you intend to put pesticide on your lawn and you are planning a baby see if there is someone else who can do the job for you
- Consider using organic fertilizers since they don’t carry a chemical risk.
Fertility Treatment Options
There has been growing concern about the effect pesticides may have on the delicate human reproductive system, and particularly on the quality of sperm. If you discover you are pregnant and you live near an agricultural area where pesticides are being used, it is advised you remove yourself to avoid exposure to these chemicals.
East Bay fertility Center, Dublin, California, (www.ebfertility.com) specializes in the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of infertility, providing a complete mind-body experience for fertility couples. Treatment options are pursued based on all known parameters and the preferences of the couple.
East Bay’s experienced medical staff is headed by Dr. Ellen U. Snowden, Medical Director and physician. Dr Snowden is Board Certified in Obstetric, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology with advanced Fellowship training in the treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriages and hormonal disorders in women. Call 925.828.9235 for a free initial consultation.
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