Influence of Paternal Preconception Health on Miscarriage and Time to Pregnancy: A Scoping Review

The important role of paternal health in reproductive success, particularly time to pregnancy (TTP) and miscarriage, is gaining recognition. This scoping review aims to identify, consolidate and analyze the literature on paternal preconception health related to TTP and miscarriage. This review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL databases were searched from January 1, 2013-July 26, 2025. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full texts. Data extraction was performed using a standardized form in Covidence. Paternal health was synthesized into physical well-being, substance use, environmental exposures, mental health, and medication/vaccinations. Of the 8,235 articles identified in the search, 66 individual studies were deemed eligible: 38 focused on TTP, 26 on miscarriage, and two on both. Most studies were conducted in China (n = 16, 24.2%), North America (Canada and the U.S, n = 19, 28.8%), or the U.S alone (n = 15, 22.7%). Chronic health conditions were associated with an increased TTP, while medication use was not. Substance use, environmental exposures, and mental health showed more inconsistent impacts. Regarding miscarriage, chronic health conditions were more consistently associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, while medications showed no increased risk. The other health factors were inconsistent or lacked evidence. These findings not only highlight the multifaceted influence of paternal preconception health on reproductive outcomes, emphasizing the need for comprehensive preconception health strategies, but also the need for more research in this area.