The role of age, environmental and occupational factors on semen density.
The problem of effect of the environment on human reproduction has been in the focus of researchers' interest for many years.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between semen density in males with reproduction problems, and their age, living and working conditions.


METHODS
The study covered 224 males with reproduction problems. The study had a prospective character and was conducted in three stages - the first stage was carried out using the questionnaire devised by the authors; the second and the third stages consisted in the examination and evaluation of male semen density. Statistical analysis was used to search for the relationship between these groups and variables adopted in the study, i.e. age, occupation performed, place of residence, self-reported housing conditions and material standard, reporting by the males in the study of arduousness of work or health hazards perceived by the males examined, and duration of employment in such conditions.


RESULTS
The males in the study were divided into three groups according to their semen density. Group I (20 × 10(6) mln/ml or more) included 62 (27.7%) respondents, Group II (below 20 × 10(6) mln/ml) covered 121 males (54.0%), while Group III (only single spermatozoa or none) - 41 males (18.3%). Male semen density are significantly correlated with men's ages and jobs as well as the general evaluations of the jobs held by the men (p<0.05). No significant relationship is observed between living conditions, arduous work conditions and occupational hazards as perceived by males, or duration of employment in such conditions, and male semen density (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results obtained encourage continuation of the studies and cover a larger group of males with reproduction problems.
Chair and Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
Celina
C
Łepecka-Klusek
Artur
A
Wdowiak
Anna B
AB
Pilewska-Kozak
Kinga
K
Syty
Grzegorz
G
Jakiel
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult