Abstract
Objective: To examine the association between individual exposures due to occupation, environment
and lifestyle on sperm count, we conducted a case-control study among 92 fertile and
73 sub-fertile Caucasian males. Study Design: Data from questionnaires were analysed using simple univariate and multivariate
logistic regression models. Results: At risk for oligozoospermia are men exposed to pesticides (odds ratio (OR) 8.4;
95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–52.1), welding (OR 2.8; CI 0.9–8.7), antibiotic use
(OR 15.4; CI 1.4–163), a history of mumps (OR 2.9; CI 1.3–6.7), gastrointestinal complaints
(OR 6.2; CI 1.4–26.8), decreased intake of fruits (OR 2.3; CI 1.0–5.1), vegetables
(OR 1.9; CI 0.7–5.0), or with female fertility disorders in their families (OR 8.4;
CI 1.7–41.9). Unlike other studies, no associations were observed between oligozoospermia
and exposure to paint or heat. Conclusion: This study suggests new risk factors oligozoospermia in man and confirms previously
reported results from others.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 10,
2003
Received in revised form:
December 27,
2002
Received:
August 14,
2002
Identification
Copyright
© 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
