Environmental factors and testicular function

Over the last decades there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of some diseases associated with the male reproductive system, including poor semen quality, testicular cancer and congenital developmental abnormalities such as cryptorchidism and hypospadias, malformations of the urethra and scrotum respectively. Based on these observations one recurring theme is the concern that certain environmental chemicals and lifestyle related factors may play a role. Early fetal life is a particularly critical time period, when the endocrine system is established and organs are developing. Although available data does not yet allow recommending, evidence based, prophylactic and/or therapeutic measures to eliminate or reduce the possible negative impact of environment/lifestyle on the male reproductive capacity, it is prudent to limit exposures of people to hormonally active chemicals. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.