Chemical Exposures Associated with Testicular Damage and Male Infertility

Part of the workup of an infertile male is an occupational history. Exposure to certain chemicals may be associated with testicular damage.

Chemicals that may be associated with male infertility

(1) boron

(2) cadmium

(3) carbaryl

(4) carbon disulfide

(5) chlordecone

(6) chlorprene

(7) dibromochloropropane

(8) epichlorhydrin

(9) estrogens

(10) ethylene dibromide

(11) ethylene glycol ethers

(12) lead

Other exposures that may associated with male infertility:

(1) ionizing radiation

(2) excessive heat

Diagnosis requires:

(1) evidence for a significant exposure to a chemical associated with testicular damage

(2) evidence of testicular damage or abnormal semen characteristics sufficient to explain infertility

(3) exclusion of alternative explanations for testicular damage

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