Air Pollution Exposure During Spermatogenesis May Affect Fertility in Men

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Researchers at the Emory University School of Medicine have found that air pollution exposure during spermatogenesis, the process by which male gametes or sperm cells are produced, may adversely impact fertility in men. The study, which analyzed data from 1353 recipients of in vitro fertilization (IVF) using vitrified donor oocyte, found that higher exposure to certain air pollutants, such as coarse particulate matter (PM), during spermatogenesis was associated with lower odds of live birth and higher odds of pregnancy loss.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 551 non-identified oocyte donors and 1353 recipients who underwent 2533 embryo transfers at Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, Georgia, between 2008 and 2019.
  • Daily ambient exposure to air pollutants was estimated using spatiotemporal models linked to residential addresses and averaged over different periods, including folliculogenesis (90 days before stimulation), ovarian stimulation (average of 3 months and 3 weeks prior to transfer), and spermatogenesis (72 days prior to oocyte thaw).
  • The study found that higher exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) during folliculogenesis and ovarian stimulation, as well as higher elemental carbon (EC) exposure during folliculogenesis, was associated with lower odds of positive pregnancy test.
  • Higher coarse particulate matter (PM) exposure during ovarian stimulation and spermatogenesis was associated with lower odds of live birth and higher odds of pregnancy loss.
  • Among male partners, higher PM exposure during spermatogenesis was associated with higher odds of pregnancy loss.
  • The study concluded that preconception air pollution exposure during both folliculogenesis and spermatogenesis may adversely impact IVF outcomes.

Statistics:

  • 551 non-identified oocyte donors participated in the study.
  • 1353 recipients underwent 2533 embryo transfers at Reproductive Biology Associates in Atlanta, Georgia, between 2008 and 2019.
  • The study found that higher carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during folliculogenesis was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.86 (95% CI 0.77, 0.96) for lower odds of positive pregnancy test.
  • Higher elemental carbon (EC) exposure during folliculogenesis was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.87 (95% CI 0.79, 0.96) for lower odds of live birth.
  • Higher coarse particulate matter (PM) exposure during spermatogenesis was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.45 (95% CI 1.09, 1.92) for higher odds of pregnancy loss.

Sources:

  • The influence of ambient air pollution during folliculogenesis, endometrial development, and spermatogenesis on fertility: A study among patients using vitrified donor oocyte in vitro fertilization. Environmental Research, 2025;285:122576.
  • NewsRx. New Findings Reported from Emory University School of Medicine Describe Advances in Spermatogenesis (The influence of ambient air pollution during folliculogenesis, endometrial development, and spermatogenesis on fertility: A study among ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 31, 2025; p 461.
  • Environmental Research can be contacted at: Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Environmental Research - www.journals.elsevier.com/environmental-research/)
  • The publisher's contact information for the journal Environmental Research is: Academic Press Inc Elsevier Science, 525 B St, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA.