Chapter 16 - Environmental Issues Resulting in Andropause and Hypogonadism

Abstract

Reproductive well-being in men is influenced by numerous factors beginning from anatomical, physiological, physical, hormonal, and neural up to environmental factors. The effects of various agents such as agrochemicals, pesticides, radiation, life style, metabolic and physiologic disorders including obesity, erectile dysfunction, and metabolic changes after surgical procedure (orchiectomy) or therapy (e.g., chemotherapy) may have direct impact on male gonadal framework and prompt hypogonadism by sundry pathways. This chapter aims at elucidating the environmental issues that may incite hypogonadism either directly or indirectly. Here, we attempt to portray the clinical relationships among these issues and the state of hypogonadism to suggest the conceivable criteria for better diagnosis, keeping in view the related variables which may potentially become crucial amid the state of hypogonadism and/or andropause. This chapter also focuses on the occupational, living, and environmental exposure issues that might be a cause for paramount concern to reproductive pathologists. These issues could vividly affect male reproductive system and might cause hypogonadism and/or andropause. The cumulative effect of all the issues mentioned above might be associated with the development of male-factor infertility.