Male infertility as a window to health
Male infertility may be a harbinger of future health. Associations may arise from genetic, developmental, and lifestyle factors. Male infertility may be associated with chronic medical conditions, hospitalization, and mortality.
Volume 110, Issue 5, Pages 810–814
Authors:
Jeremy T. Choy, M.D., Michael L. Eisenberg, M.D.
Abstract:
There is an emerging body of evidence suggesting that male infertility may be a harbinger of future health. Potential associations between infertility and health may arise from genetic, developmental, and lifestyle factors. Studies have explored possible links between male infertility and oncologic, cardiovascular, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases. Male infertility may also be a predictor of hospitalization and mortality. Additional research is required to elucidate the mechanisms by which male infertility affects overall health.
Comments
I applaud the authors for their expert review of this important topic. What investments do we need to make to get to the underlying cause of these findings? Are there key basic science or epidemiological infrastructures that should be built? As the authors conclude, there are key unanswered question that we must address to better understand what is happening to these men and how to improve their reproductive and overall health.