![]() Thus, the semen parameters are significant as indicators of compromised male fertility. However, according to the WHO, only 30% of men with high quality semen are infertile, whereas men with low quality semen are much more likely to be infertile. Similarly, men with high quality semen may still be infertile. Low quality semen can be used as a predictor for male infertility, but such men can still be fertile. However, it is not feasible to certify a male fertile or infertile just based on the results of a conventional semen analysis. Based on the semen parameters results assessed against WHO 2010 criteria, a decision of abnormal and normal is declared. A conventional semen analysis report is considered the first diagnostic test in male infertility. In 2010, these values were re-evaluated and new cutoffs were introduced which are lower than WHO 1999 ( Table 1). From 1999 till 2010, the reference values defined in the WHO 1999 manual were used to consider a semen analysis normal or abnormal. Semen parameters are used to measure the quality of sperm and are important because they can be used to predict male infertility, which is defined as the inability to fertilize an egg after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. Such evidence linking the increasing prevalence of EDCs to declining semen quality and male reproductive health calls attention to the detrimental effects of EDCs. Regional differences have also been reported in urban versus rural areas showing a statistical correlation between poor semen quality and higher levels of EDCs found in pesticides, such as alachlor, diazinon, atrazine, metolachlor, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid ( 7). Male reproductive health- specifically sperm count and testosterone-have been declining ( 5, 6), which is correlated with an increase in a variety of EDCs, such as perfluoroalkyl compounds ( 2). The endocrine system is particularly important for male reproductive development because androgens (such as testosterone) promote the maturation of male secondary characteristics as well as the process of spermatogenesis. Hence, EDCs call for greater attention because of their increasing utility in daily products and possible correlation with compromised male reproductive health. Because of the use of EDCs in several consumer goods and personal care products, humans are exposed to the harmful effects of these substances in a variety of ways which include ingestion, germination, inhalation, and dermal contact. These chemicals can be found in a variety of everyday products and goods, such as in foods, water, plastics, shampoos, clothes, toothpastes, soaps, fertilizers, paper, textiles, carpets, utensils, bedding, toy, cosmetics, deodorant, etc. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are the substances which change the course of endocrine systems in a way that adversely affects the organism itself or its progeny ( 1). The endocrine system maintains homeostasis of the bodily systems through hormones that can travel long distances in the body and often have amplified effects.
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