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Related Concept Videos

Spermatogenesis01:41

Spermatogenesis

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...
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition01:22

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During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...
Infertility in Males01:23

Infertility in Males

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Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
03:28

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Environmental factors and semen quality.

Joanna Jurewicz1, Wojciech Hanke, Michał Radwan

  • 1Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland. joannaj@imp.lodz.pl

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
|January 8, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Environmental exposures like pesticides and PCBs negatively impact male fertility and semen quality. Further research is needed to confirm links with air pollution and phthalates, while mobile phones may also affect sperm parameters.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
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Published on: November 29, 2018

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects
08:48

Flow Cytometric Analysis of Biomarkers for Detecting Human Sperm Functional Defects

Published on: April 21, 2022

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Reproductive Toxicology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Human activities introduce environmental agents affecting male fertility.
  • Growing evidence links environmental exposures to declining semen quality worldwide.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of environmental exposures on human semen quality.
  • To review recent literature on pesticides, phthalates, PCBs, air pollution, THMs, and mobile phones.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of PubMed, Medline, Ebsco, Agricola, and Toxnet databases.
  • Focus on epidemiological studies published in the last ten years.

Main Results:

  • Pesticides (DDT/DDE, ethylenedibromide, organophosphates) and PCBs show detrimental effects on sperm count and motility.
  • Air pollution is linked to altered semen characteristics; mobile phone use may decrease sperm count, viability, and morphology.
  • Phthalate exposure shows associations with impaired sperm quality in subfertile men, but findings require general population corroboration. No association found for THMs.

Conclusions:

  • Awareness of environmental factors impacting semen quality is crucial.
  • Preventing parental exposure to reproductive and developmental hazards is necessary.