According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting up to 15% of couples, and the etiology is attributable to men in one-third of the cases.
The environment plays a key role in male infertility, changing the incidence in various populations. Hence, the identification of these exogenous factors is pivotal to reduce exposure and, consequently, improve semen quality. Doubtless, pesticides are one of the most studied risk factors. Pesticides prevent, destroy, or control harmful organisms (pests) or diseases; they protect plants or plant products during production, storage, and transport.
Their use has increased over the past 50 years as global arable land has increased. Although pesticides are essential for crop protection, food maintenance, and vector-borne disease prevention, they remain biocides with harmful effects on humans. Absorption can occur through different methods: ingestion, inhalation, dermal contact, and through the placenta.