1. Male Factor Infertility, Semen Quality and Environmental Factors Arthur J. Greenwood, M.D. Samuel D. Prien, Ph.D. S. Chavez

2. Introduction  The fertility rate in the United States has been decreasing and can not be solely explained by an increase use of contraceptives and delay in childbearing.[1][1] [1] Shakkebaek NE, Jorgensen N, Main KM et al. Is human fecundity declining? Int J Androl 2006 ;29 :2-11

3. Human Fecundity Declining? [1][1] Shakkebaek NE, Jorgensen N, Main KM et al. Is human fecundity declining? Int J Androl 2006 ;29 :2-11

4. Pesticide Use  A number of studies have reported a causal link between pesticide use in rural areas and infertility.[2][2] [2] Clementi M, Tiboni GM, Causin R, Rocca CL et al, Pesticides and Fertility: An epidemiological study in Northeast Italy and review of the literature. Reproductive Toxicology 2008;26:13-18

5. Linear Regression analysis of municipalities by total amount of pesticides (kg/ha) and fertility rate [2][2] Clementi M, Tiboni GM, Causin R, Rocca CL et al, Pesticides and Fertility: An epidemiological study in Northeast Italy and review of the literature. Reproductive Toxicology 2008;26:13-18

6. Objective  To examine the regional demographics of males with semen analysis over the last three years to determine if living in a rural area, occupational exposure, obesity, or tobacco use is related to decreased semen quality.

7. Materials and Methods  A retrospective analysis of all semen analysis conducted by Texas Tech HSC over the past three years will be performed and sorted by zip code, occupation, body mass index, and tobacco use.

8. Materials and Methods  Data will be split and analysis by morphology, the parameter linked most to failed fertilization in assisted reproductive technology procedures (ARTs).

9. Results  Results are expected to determine if rural exposure to pesticide use in the farming areas of West Texas, or other occupational exposures, are a risk factor in couples with male factor infertility.

10. Results  Previous studies have shown decreased semen quality in rural areas of Missouri when compared to cities like New York, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and Los Angeles, CA.[3][3] [3] Swan SH, Brazil C, Drobins EZ et al. A Survey For Future Family Research Group. Geographic differences in semen quality of fertile U.S. males. Environ Health Perspect 2003;111:414-20

11. Conclusion  This study will compare semen quality of individuals living in residential areas to individuals living in agricultural areas.  This study is unique in that it covers a population living in metropolitan as well as agricultural areas of West Texas with semen analysis at the same lab as opposed to different labs.