Private MD News

Formaldehyde exposure may jeopardize male fertility

Category: Infertility Testing-Male

Men who are exposed to formaldehyde at work may benefit from talking to their doctor about FSH testing. New research suggests that high levels of exposure to this potentially dangerous chemical may impair fertility in men.

A team of Chinese researchers examined the fertility a group of married men who were exposed to formaldehyde through their jobs at a wood processing facility. The results showed that it took the wives of these individuals three times as long to get pregnant, compared to the wives of men who were not exposed to formaldehyde.

Additionally, the results showed that the wives of formaldehyde-exposed workers were significantly more likely to miscarry after becoming pregnant.

The team noted that the chemical is used widely throughout the industrialized world. Many industries in China and the U.S. use formaldehyde in the processing of goods. This may leave many individuals exposed to unhealthy levels.

Given the fact that previous animal studies have shown that exposure to the chemical can decrease the quality and quantity of sperm, the researchers said their finding help confirm that formaldehyde is a risk factor for diminished fertility.