Occupations That Can Affect Male Fertility

When a couple decides to start a family, it is important to know that there are various factors that affect both male and female fertility. Various factors that play a role in male fertility include lifestyle choices, semen parameters and genetic conditions, but one factor that is often overlooked or underrated is the fact that certain occupations can also have an impact on male fertility and a male’s reproductive health. It is important for both men and women to be aware of the impact and factors that can affect male fertility so that they can implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of damage done to a male’s reproductive health.

Various Occupations That Can Impact Male Fertility and Their Preventative Measures

Various professions expose individuals to occupational hazards that can adversely affect male fertility. In occupations such as baking and welding, consistent exposure to high temperatures can disrupt the ideal environment for sperm production, leading to decreased sperm quality and fertility issues. Below we outline some of these occupations and their effects on male fertility.

 

Impact of High Temperatures on Fertility in Bakers and Welders

Professions such as baking and welding expose individuals to high-temperature environments regularly. In these occupations, consistent exposure to elevated temperatures can disrupt the scrotum's ideal temperature range for sperm production. Scrotal tissue, which regulates testicular temperature to be a few degrees cooler than the body's core temperature, ensures optimal sperm production. However, fluctuations in temperature can disrupt this process, leading to decreased sperm quality and fertility issues.

 

Preventative Measures for Reducing the Effects of High Temperatures

To mitigate the impact of constant exposure to extreme temperatures, individuals can adopt preventive measures. Wearing heat-protective or heat-resistant gear and clothing serves as an effective way to shield the scrotal area from excessive heat. Additionally, taking regular breaks to cool down helps reduce the risk of prolonged exposure to high temperatures, thus safeguarding fertility and overall reproductive health.

Pesticide Handlers

Pesticides have a negative impact on male fertility. Studies have shown that pesticides affect gonadal cells such as Leydig cells and Sertolli cells. Leydig cells are responsible for the synthesis of testosterone. Testosterone, in turn, is essential for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. When pesticides affect Leydig cells, it can cause a reduction in testosterone production which can cause a reduction in the production of sperm parameters and sperm concentration, eventually causing fertility problems.

On the other hand, Sertolli cells are responsible for the development of germ cells and also maintain the blood testis barrier. When Sertolli cells are affected by pesticides it can reduce sperm production and compromise the barrier. This can lead to the anti-sperm antibodies attacking sperm cells when they cross over the barrier and into the immune system. This can diminish sperm cells and sperm concentrations.

The best way to prevent exposure to pesticides is to wear protective gear, as well as a mask to prevent the inhalation thereof. It is also important for men who use pesticides at home, to be educated on safety measures to be taken before handling the pesticides.

Healthcare Workers

Referring to healthcare workers in this sense are healthcare workers who work specifically with antineoplastic drugs, or chemotherapy. This includes nurses and doctors who administer chemotherapy, as well as pharmacists to mix the chemotherapy. It is known that treatment with chemotherapy has detrimental effects on one’s fertility, but exposure to these drugs when handling them also places healthcare workers at great risk of developing fertility-related problems. Although healthcare workers are not treated with these drugs, they can be exposed to them via skin contamination, needle prick injury or even the inhalation thereof. It affects fertility by reducing sperm concentrations and sperm quality, leading to fertility-related problems.

The best way to prevent this exposure is to wear protective gear including appropriate and protective clothing, thick gloves, especially when mich chemo, a mask and goggles. This can prevent inhalation and skin exposure to antineoplastic agents and reduce the risk of a reduction in reproductive health.

Shift Workers

Shift workers often experience a disruption in their circadian rhythm and their sleep schedule. This can cause a disruption in hormonal balance. When there is an imbalance in hormones, it can cause changes in testosterone levels that can alter sperm production. Low sperm count and sperm quality can lead to infertility in males.

The best way to prevent or limit the damaging effects on male reproductive health is to try and maintain a healthy sleeping schedule and practice healthy sleeping habits by abstaining from screen time before bed and using block-out curtains when sleeping during the day.

Truck Drivers

Occupations that require men to sit for long periods of time, like truck drivers, are exposed to the risk of increased scrotal temperatures. This increase in scrotal temperature, can disrupt optimal sperm production and cause a decrease in sperm integrity and male fertility. 

The recommended preventative measure or the way to limit the side-effects of sitting for very long, is to take regular breaks in well-ventilated areas. This can help to regulate the scrotal temperature back to normal.