**4. Environment and male Infertility**

Relating environment to the infertility is not a new measure, it is a known fact that our environment is contaminated [34]. The natural and synthetic chemicals obviously interact with the endocrine system. Studies reveal the potential of some substances in inhabiting the specific enzymes in Steriodogenesis like ketoconazole and cyanoketone. In the synthesis of epoxy resins and poly carbonate, Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used so is potent enough in causing harm to the fertility in men. BPA is involved in designing of the plastic bottles often used in containers meant for beverage and water storage. Acting as a metabolic and endocrine disruptor, BPA can imitate the action of endrogen estrogen. Studies mention the presence of partial doses leading to the precocious puberty. In some cases even the prostatic hyperplasia and low sperm count has been recorded as a result of exposure to bisphenol. The other severe factor that is established to be hazardous to the reproductive health of men is the exposure to heavy metals. The pooled data available in literature reveals that even the trace concentration due to contaminated water or food can accumulate in the body. Surveys reveal the hostility of heavy metals like lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) with the male reproductive system [35]. It impairs the hypothalamic–pituitary axis therby spermatogenesis that leads to impaired semen quality.

Another risk factor that has surfaced in the scientific literature is agricultural related pesticides. Prolonged exposure to the pesticides and other chlorinated hydrocarbons affects the reproductive system. The very parameters of sperm density and motility, mitochondrial DNA, sperm morphology are affected by exposure to these chemicals [36]. There have been evidences reported about the enormous risk of fetal death from congenital anomalies, particularly where father is having the longer exposure to the common agricultural use pesticides. Pesticide exposure affects the fertilizing ability of sperm even in men seeking IVF treatment.
