Karen Thompson

Introduction Infertility among couples has been recorded as affecting 8-14% and among this number the male factor is said to be contributory in 36-75% of cases (1-5) Various authors (6,7, 8) have noted that not only have we seen a decrease in sperm quality and quantity but that this corresponds with certain lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise and recreational drug use. However, there are a lack of comprehensive reviews which take into consideration the numerous societal changes which have occurred concurrently and which may associate a culminating toxic effect on the male reproductive system. Although the true prevalence of infertility and its change over time remains unknown, the possibility of identifying and treating in particular modifiable risk factors for male infertility, remains an important subject for ongoing research. Although many of the potentially influencing factors are often permanent in nature, for example: genetic, congenital and infectious etiologies, others are completely modifiable and therefore worthy of immediate review and discussion. In particular if we examine the prevalence of low nutrition diets, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and recreational drug use, most notably in western societies, we have the opportunity to potentially mitigate at least some influencing factors. Here we provide a review of relevant articles relating to modifiable lifestyle factors and male infertility from inception through to September 2016, which have been sourced from a literature search using Pubmed. It is though important to note that in reviewing the current literature available several important limitations restrict potential conclusions due to the majority of studies being: Non-randomized by design Lacking placebo groups Including small populations with short-term follow-up Lacking standardization of dose or defined endpoints Involving varied number of agents studied Lacking controls for other infertility-relevant male and/or female pathologies Having varied baseline nutritional status/dietary intake