Male Factor Infertility, Semen Quality and Environmental Factors.pptVIP

Introduction The fertility rate in the United States has been decreasing and can not be solely explained by an increase use of contraceptives and delay in childbearing.[1]  Human Fecundity Declining?  Pesticide Use A number of studies have reported a causal link between pesticide use in rural areas and infertility.[2]  Linear Regression analysis of municipalities by total amount of pesticides (kg/ha) and fertility rate Objective To examine the regional demographics of males with semen analysis over the last three years to determine if living in a rural area, occupational exposure, obesity, or tobacco use is related to decreased semen quality. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of all semen analysis conducted by Texas Tech HSC over the past three years will be performed and sorted by zip code, occupation, body mass index, and tobacco use. Materials and Methods Data will be split and analysis by morphology, the parameter linked most to failed fertilization in assisted reproductive technology procedures (ARTs). Results Results are expected to determine if rural exposure to pesticide use in the farming areas of West Texas, or other occupational exposures, are a risk factor in couples with male factor infertility. Results Previous studies have shown decreased semen quality in rural areas of Missouri when compared to cities like New York, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and Los Angeles, CA.[3]  Conclusion This study will compare semen quality of individuals living in residential areas to individuals living in agricultural areas. This study is unique in that it covers a population living in metropolitan as well as agricultural areas of West Texas with semen analysis at the same lab as opposed to different labs. Male Factor Infertility, Semen Quality and Environmental Factors Arthur J. Greenwood, M.D. Samuel D. Prien, Ph.D. S. Chavez [1] Shakkebaek NE, Jorgensen N, Main KM et al. Is human fecundity declining? Int J Androl 2006?;29?:2-11 [1] Shakkebae