Occupational influences on male fertility and sexuality. I

The authors present herewith a survey of occupational influences on male fertility and sexuality. From literature data of the last 15 years, the potential risks of physical factors (traumatisms, temperature, radiation, micro-waves), of chemical factors (metals, mineral oils, hormones, pesticides and herbicides, neurotoxins, vinylchloride and analogs, carbondisulfide), of physio(patho)logical factors (infectious diseases occupationally acquired, low back syndrome) and of psychological factors (stress, alcoholism) are discussed. The authors also discuss the methodological aspects in monitoring the fertility and sexuality of male workers. As conclusion, they warn physicians, practising occupational medicine, to be aware of these potential risks regarding gonadal function and to neglect no longer the reproductive and sexual functions of the male. In the future, these problems will be faced more than at present, because of the increasing production of very active and toxic substances. Occupational hygienic measures are the first step in preventing environmental pollution hazards.