Occupations that affect male fertility

Hazards in the workplace, such as chemicals, physical or psychological stress, can negatively impact male fertility. In particular, certain occupations pose a higher risk including welders, painters, construction workers, drivers due to the factors below.

High temperature working environment

Men’s testicles produce their best sperm when a few degrees cooler than your body temperature. Working in a hot environment, such as a bakery or welding shop, can raise the temperature of the testicles to the point of harming sperm production, such as less sperm production and less healthy sperm. .

Sitting still for long periods of time can also cause the testicles to overheat. So, if you sit at a desk or sit still all day like a driver, sperm quality can be affected, although research shows that the effect on fertility is quite small.

Being sedentary can also cause health problems for drivers. A study of taxi drivers found that car vibrations can contribute to fertility problems.

Sitting with a laptop on your lap, even when propped up on a mattress, can significantly increase the temperature of your testicles. Therefore, keep the laptop on the table when working.

Exposure to chemicals

There are a number of chemicals that can affect sperm health and quality including:

Pesticides: Some pesticides used in agriculture and forestry are thought to have estrogen-like effects, reducing male fertility. However, most studies in the US and Europe show that modern pesticides do not have a major impact on male fertility.

Solvents: Solvents and hydrocarbons used in the plastics, paint, and printing industries have been linked to decreased fertility in men. In particular, a group of solvents called glycol ethers have been shown to affect the production of healthy sperm. The glycol ethers that reduce fertility are now strictly regulated.

Heavy Metals: Exposure to certain types of heavy metals can decrease fertility. In particular, lead and cadmium have been shown to affect sperm quality and lead to a lower sperm count.

There is less evidence for the effects of mercury and manganese, although some studies suggest that they may also affect fertility.

Exposure to radiation

Whether or not fertility is affected depends on the type of radiation a person is exposed to. Ionizing radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, has been shown to reduce sperm count.

However, those who work with ionizing radiation often have to follow strict guidelines. As long as the amount of radiation exposure is not exceeded, it is unlikely to affect sperm production.

The effects of non-ionizing radiation, such as radio waves and wifi, are less obvious. There is a possibility that they affect fertility, especially if exposed to sufficient amounts of radiation to raise the temperature of the groin area.

As a precaution, stay away from non-ionizing radiation if possible. For example, turn off wifi when you keep your phone in your pocket or stand away from the microwave when heating a meal.

How to protect reproductive health at work

If men have jobs that require sitting for long periods of time, take breaks when possible. Walking around for a few minutes will help cool down the testicles. Prioritize wearing loose pants to work, instead of wearing tight clothes.

If working with any hazardous chemicals, always follow instructions for use, wear suitable protective clothing, and clean thoroughly. If exposed to hazardous chemicals or heavy metals in powder form, change clothes and shoes before going home.

If you are having trouble conceiving and suspecting exposure to chemicals or radiation, or potential risks at work, please consult a specialist for examination and advice.

Mr. Ngoc (According to BabyCentre)