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Job strain and male fertility
Niels Henrik I Hjollund1, Jens Peter E Bonde, Tine Brink Henriksen
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. hhjol@akh.aaa.dk
Background:
Job strain, defined as high job demands and low job control, has not previously been explored as a possible determinant of male fertility. We collected prospective data on job strain among men, and describe the associations with semen quality and probability of conceiving a clinical pregnancy during a menstrual cycle.
Methods:
Danish couples (N = 399) who were trying to become pregnant for the first time were followed for up to 6 menstrual periods. All men collected semen samples, and a blood sample was drawn from both partners. Job demand and job control were measured by a self-administered questionnaire at entry, and in each cycle the participants recorded changes in job control or job demand during the previous 30 days.
Results:
In adjusted analyses, no associations were found between any semen characteristic or sexual hormones and any job strain variable. The odds for pregnancy were not associated with job strain.
Conclusions:
Psychologic job strain encountered in normal jobs in Denmark does not seem to affect male reproductive function.