Serum Bisphenol A concentrations in men with idiopathic infertility

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) has been associated with male reproductive dysfunction. However, few studies have assessed BPA according to the cause of male infertility.

Aim: To investigate serum BPA concentrations in infertile men according to infertility cause.

Patients and methods: Men with infertility (n = 55) [non-obstructive azoospermia (n = 23), cryptorchidism (n = 12), varicocele (n = 20)] compared with fertile men (n = 25). Serum BPA concentrations were measured along with clinical and hormonal assessment.

Results: BPA was detected in all men, with no difference between infertile and control groups [median (IQR) 0.19 (0.45) vs. 0.18 (0.28) ng/ml, p = 0.689] or among the infertility cause [azoospermia 0.30 (0.69), cryptorchidism 0.12 (0.39), varicocele 0.17 (0.23) ng/ml, p = 0.316]. High concentrations of BPA (>3 ng/ml) were observed only in infertile men. Α negative correlation was observed between ΒΡΑ concentrations and AMH (r = -0.320, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Although male infertility cannot be attributed to exposure to BPA, high concentrations of BPA could contribute to infertility.