Epidemiology
It is estimated that 10% to 15% of opposite-sex couples will have difficulty conceiving.[3] Male factor alone is responsible for 20% to 30% of cases; however, male infertility is likely to be underestimated due to a lack of male evaluation in infertile opposite-sex couples.[3] Data from the US National Survey on Family Growth demonstrated that 18% to 27% of men in an infertile relationship were never evaluated.[4] In an additional 30% to 40% of opposite-sex couples, male factor is present in combination with other factors including anovulation, tubal factor, increased maternal age, and endometriosis.[5] The incidence of male factor infertility is believed to be increasing in the developed world. This increase has been attributed to numerous factors, one of which may be obesity.[6] Of increasing concern is the increased prevalence and severity of exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors or xenobiotics.[7]
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer