The Early Life Influences on Male Reproductive Health

Abstract

Increasing concern exists regarding male reproductive health worldwide. This is due to the appearance of medical reports outlining apparent adverse trends, such as a worldwide decline in total fertility rate, and an increase in testicular disorders such as testicular cancer, cryptorchidism—in parallel with a probable decline in semen quality. This is of particular concern as there is evidence to suggest that a poor sperm count is potentially associated with overall lifelong morbidity and mortality, and is effectively a predictor of lifelong health risk. This chapter examines the evidence for this decline and its potential early life causes, from in-utero exposures to childhood development.