In-depth analysis of prostate cancer predisposition characteristics and external factors contributing to male infertility

In recent years, the incidence of prostate cancer has been increasing year by year. Epidemiological studies have found that prostate cancer has a particular predisposition among certain groups: First, men with irregular work schedules. Working day and night disrupts the body's biological clock, leading to a decrease in the secretion of melatonin, which has an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Second, obese men. Obesity can increase the risk of prostate cancer by 2.5 times. Third, men who frequently eat barbecued food. Over-grilling meat produces compounds that can induce prostate cancer.

Fourth are men who engage in sexual activity too early. Early and frequent first sexual intercourse significantly increases the incidence of the disease. Fifth are men who experience excessive visual and psychological stimulation; excessive exposure to pornography can lead to excessive secretion of male hormones. Sixth are men who drink too much milk daily. A man's physical health, the health and function of his reproductive organs, and certain external factors all affect the quality and quantity of sperm. Toxic substances such as fertilizers and herbicides used in agriculture; toxic gases from decorative materials; feed that rapidly fattens animals; and pollution of soil and water sources all poison men's health.

Smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption are major threats to healthy reproduction. Men who smoke more than 30 cigarettes a day have a sperm survival rate of only 49%; men who frequently drink excessively have 70% of their sperm exhibiting reduced motility or incomplete development. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as long hours of driving or frequent sauna use, can decrease testicular spermatogenesis. The temperature in a man's scrotum is 1-1.5°C lower than normal body temperature; excessively high temperatures can damage sperm. Wearing jeans or tight pants that constrict the scrotum and testicles restricts blood circulation and reduces local heat dissipation, causing testicular temperature to rise and hindering sperm production.

In male infertility, the vast majority fall into the category of relative infertility, meaning low fertility. Research over the past decade or so has found that fertility problems in some low-fertility patients are related to micronutrient deficiencies, with zinc deficiency being the most common. Zinc plays a role in maintaining a stable sperm environment and is also involved in sperm formation, closely related to sperm maturation, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction. Zinc is positively correlated with semen quality and sperm density; zinc deficiency can affect sperm metabolism and motility, and also impact gonadal development.

Zinc deficiency can impair pituitary function, leading to decreased gonadotropin secretion and potentially causing gonadal hypoplasia. Furthermore, zinc deficiency reduces the production of liquefaction factors by the prostate gland, resulting in poor semen liquefaction and affecting fertilization. While zinc is indeed related to fertility, the need for supplementation and the appropriate dosage must be carefully considered. Zinc is a trace element, and generally, healthy individuals do not lack it. Deficiency only occurs due to metabolic disorders or malabsorption. Improper supplementation can also cause zinc poisoning; therefore, supplementation should be done under the guidance of a doctor.