New evidence of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on sperm count in man.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between individual exposures due to occupation, environment and lifestyle on sperm count, we conducted a case-control study among 92 fertile and 73 sub-fertile Caucasian males.


METHODS
Data from questionnaires were analysed using simple univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.


RESULTS
At risk for oligozoospermia are men exposed to pesticides (odds ratio (OR) 8.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-52.1), welding (OR 2.8; CI 0.9-8.7), antibiotic use (OR 15.4; CI 1.4-163), a history of mumps (OR 2.9; CI 1.3-6.7), gastrointestinal complaints (OR 6.2; CI 1.4-26.8), decreased intake of fruits (OR 2.3; CI 1.0-5.1), vegetables (OR 1.9; CI 0.7-5.0), or with female fertility disorders in their families (OR 8.4; CI 1.7-41.9). Unlike other studies, no associations were observed between oligozoospermia and exposure to paint or heat.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests new risk factors oligozoospermia in man and confirms previously reported results from others.
Wong
Wai Yee
WY
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Centre, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Zielhuis
Gerhard A
GA
Thomas
Chris M G
CM
Merkus
Hans M W M
HM
Steegers-Theunissen
Régine P M
RP
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004032:Diet; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009107:Mumps / Q000150:complications; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013076:Sperm Count; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014675:Vegetables; D014896:Welding
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010575:Pesticides