From data in the literature, the potential risk of mechanical vibrations on reproduction in experimental, clinical and epidemiological studies (in experimental animals, men occupied in transport and industry), as well as the influence on sexuality are summarised. Results of the authors own experimental and clinical studies on the influence of the vibration on the male reproductive system are also presented. In male rats, decreased sperm counts, spermatogenesis index and size of testes, changed character of their motion, chronic venous stagnation and dystrophic alterations in tubuli contorti, changed ScDH, ATP-ase, LDH and GL-6-PDH activity, germ cells structural damages were observed. Workers exposed to vibrations had an increased prevalence of oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Sexual disorders are also observed. The authors suggest that reproductive disorders should be included in the list of non-specific effects of vibrations. The detected changes justify further investigations and development of mathematical models for early detection and prognosis of the unfavourable effect on male reproductive function.

Department of Hygiene Ecology and Occupational Health Medical University Sofia Bulgaria