The relationship between semen quality in male infertility clinic patients and bisphenol A：A Chinese cross-sectional study

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a growing concern as an endocrine-disrupting chemical due to its adverse health effects. However, the association between BPA and sperm quality in adult human males remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the daily life exposure level of BPA and analyze its correlation with sperm quality in males. Patients who sought treatment in Chinese infertility clinics between May and October 2023 were selected as study subjects. We determined participants' serum BPA content using high-performance liquid chromatography. Sperm count and motility were assessed using a computer-aided sperm analysis system, while sperm morphology was analyzed using an improved Papanicolaou stain. A total of 405 participants, averaging 33.01 ± 5.44 years old, were included. We observed low semen quality among participants in infertility clinics. Principal component analysis was performed for each semen quality index, and three principal components reflecting sperm motility, count, and morphology were extracted. The participants' mean serum BPA level was 6.96 ng/mL. Negative correlations were observed between serum BPA content and total sperm count, sperm density, forward motility rate, and non-forward motility rate. A positive correlation was found between the non-motile sperm rate and the head deformity rate. Morphological abnormalities were the predominant adverse effects observed. Despite low daily life BPA exposure, long-term low-dose exposure in the general population may damage semen quality. This study provides a scientific basis for managing health risks associated with BPA exposure.

Keywords

• BPA exposure
• Cross-sectional study
• Endocrine-disrupting chemical
• Environmental estrogen-like compound
• Plastic pollution
• Sperm morphology