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Risk factors on testicular function in adolescents
F Cargnelutti1, A Di Nisio2, F Pallotti1
1Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|March 14, 2022
Summary
Male adolescents face numerous testicular health risks from factors like obesity and substance use, potentially impacting adult fertility. Early intervention during adolescence is crucial for preventing future male infertility and hypogonadism.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Adolescent Health
- Andrology
Background:
- Adolescence is a critical period for gonadal development.
- Understanding risk factors affecting testicular function during this window is vital.
- Current literature on adolescent testicular health requires critical review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on endogenous and exogenous risk factors impacting testicular function in adolescents.
- To critically analyze factors affecting puberty timing and andrological health during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed.
- Focused on human studies examining varicocele, cryptorchidism, cancer, diabetes, lifestyle, endocrine disruptors, obesity, and STDs.
- Evaluated impact on puberty timing and andrological health.
Main Results:
- Andrological health in adolescence can be impaired by varicocele, cryptorchidism, and childhood cancer.
- Lifestyle factors including obesity, alcohol, smoking, and drug use correlate with testicular dysfunction in pubertal boys.
- Endocrine disruptors and STDs may affect reproductive health, warranting further adolescent-focused research.
Conclusions:
- Adolescence is characterized by an increasing trend of unhealthy behaviors in males.
- Undiagnosed andrological disorders combined with risky behaviors increase the risk of adult infertility and hypogonadism.
- Adolescence represents a key period for intervention and prevention of future andrological diseases.
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