STRESS AND MALE INFERTILITY: PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS AND REPERCUSSIONS ON REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION
Abstract
Male infertility is considered an important public health issue and has multiple causes, including hormonal, environmental, oxidative, and psychosocial alterations. Among the factors associated with this condition, stress stands out due to its ability to interfere with the male reproductive process. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between stress and male infertility, highlighting the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved and their repercussions on reproductive function. This is a narrative literature review developed from the analysis of studies published between 2008 and 2026, obtained from the PubMed, SciELO, and Scopus databases, in addition to official documents from the World Health Organization, American Urological Association, and European Association of Urology. Scientific articles, reviews, and guidelines related to psychological, physical, environmental, and oxidative stress associated with male infertility were included. The analyzed studies demonstrated that prolonged exposure to stressors may impair testosterone production, spermatogenesis, and seminal function. Furthermore, increased oxidative stress was associated with cellular damage, alterations in sperm DNA, and reproductive impairment. Environmental factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and inflammatory processes also contribute to the worsening of male infertility. It is concluded that stress exerts a multifactorial influence on male reproductive health, reinforcing the importance of preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving fertility
Author Biographies
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Metropolitan Faculty of Manaus (FAMETRO), currently in the 5th semester, with experience in academic research.
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Metropolitan Faculty of Manaus (FAMETRO), currently in the 5th semester.
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Metropolitan Faculty of Manaus (FAMETRO), participating in academic research activities.
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Metropolitan Faculty of Manaus (FAMETRO), currently in the 5th semester.
Biomedical Sciences student at the Fametro University Center, dedicated to the development of academic and scientific research in the field of health.
Ph.D. in Genetics, Conservation, and Evolutionary Biology from the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA). Professor of Higher Education at the Metropolitan Institute of Education.
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