Lead exposure was associated with several poorer semen-quality measures
A review linked lead exposure with differences in sperm quantity, movement and shape. Testosterone results were statistically uncertain, and the abstract did not report pregnancy outcomes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The pooled results linked lead exposure with lower semen volume, sperm count, sperm concentration and overall sperm movement, alongside more abnormal sperm shapes. These associations do not show that lead caused the differences. This abstract-based summary concerns semen measurements; it cannot provide an individual's likelihood of pregnancy or live birth.
The abstract does not describe exposure durations, participant totals or how differences between exposed and control groups were handled. It does not report pregnancy or live-birth outcomes.
Exposure and semen measurements
Researchers combined studies comparing lead-exposed men with controls. They reported higher lead measurements in both blood and semen among exposed participants, together with differences in several measures of semen quality.
Some results remained uncertain
The pooled analyses did not find statistically significant changes in testosterone or semen malondialdehyde. Those results leave uncertainty about these outcomes; they should not be read as proof that either measure is unaffected by lead exposure.
The original publication
Lead exposure is associated with increased lead bioaccumulation and a decline in semen quality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Adisa VI, Ashonibare PJ, Adegbola CA et al.
JBRA Assist Reprod · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41370422
- Record checked
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