Exploring Relationships Between Endocrine Disruptors & Male Reproductive Health

Abstract

Over the last eight decades, a substantial increase in the production of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has been accompanied by a marked decline in indicators of reproductive health. This study sought to investigate the relationship between these trends.

Meta-analysis data on total sperm count, as well as census data on annual global plastic and pesticide production were compiled into a correlation test using R studio software. Correlation coefficients of -0.982 for plastic production and -0.976 for pesticide production were obtained, indicating a significant inverse correlation between EDC production and sperm count.

Ample supplementary research describing the biochemical mechanisms through which EDCs disrupt the reproductive system has been discovered in the published literature, providing causation for the observed correlations.

These findings raise serious concerns regarding public health for two primary reasons. First, the continuation of humankind is contingent upon reproduction. Second, reproductive health is indicative of general health and is connected to numerous chronic diseases, which account for many of the leading causes of death in developed countries (Levine et al. 2020).

Considering the precarious state of human health and reproductive potential, as well as the alarming speed at which they have regressed, future research is urgently needed to further investigate the causes of, and potential solutions to this unprecedented situation. More importantly, definitive actions need to be taken to curtail the damage being done by EDCs and restore human well being.