Data from couples (n = 103) seeking artificial insemination with donor
sperm because of poor sperm quality and a control group of couples tr
eated by in-vitro fertilization due to female causes were analysed acc
ording to the occupations of the spouses. Comparison of occupational c
ategories revealed a significant difference in the prevalence of agric
ultural occupation (11/103 vs. 1/103, p<0,01) between the group with m
ale factor infertility and the normospermic controls. These patients a
lso reported more long-term exposure to several insecticides and other
pesticides. These toxic chemicals probably have a detrimental effect
on male fertility and therefore we suggest more caution in the way the
y are handled. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.