Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:48
Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
Published on: April 21, 2022
Environment as a risk factor for male infertility
1INSERM U435, Université Rennes, France. luc.multigner@rennes.inserm.fr
Thescientificworldjournal
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Male infertility affects 30-50% of couples trying to conceive, often due to sperm production issues. While some causes are known, the exact origins of male infertility remain largely uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Human Reproduction
Background:
- Infertility impacts 15% of couples globally.
- Male factors contribute to 30-50% of infertility cases.
- Sperm production disorders are a primary cause of male infertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifactorial origins of male infertility.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and uncertainties in male infertility.
- To review current understanding and identify knowledge gaps in male reproductive health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data on infertility.
- Analysis of etiological factors contributing to male infertility.
- Synthesis of research on sperm production disorders.
Main Results:
- Male infertility is a significant public health concern.
- A substantial percentage of infertility cases are attributable to male factors.
- Infectious agents are recognized risk factors, but many origins remain unidentified.
Conclusions:
- Male infertility, particularly sperm production disorders, requires further research.
- Understanding the diverse origins of male infertility is crucial for effective treatment.
- Continued investigation is needed to resolve uncertainties surrounding male infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:28Infertility in Females
Female infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse and affects about 10–15% of couples worldwide. The primary cause of female infertility is ovulatory disorders, which hinder the release of eggs. These disorders can be classified as hypothalamic amenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, and hyperprolactinemic anovulation disorders.
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of endometrial...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...