Introduction: Infertility is one of the most common reproductive health problems affecting the lives of millions of couples around the world. This problem can be caused by various factors, which are generally divided into two categories: environmental and genetic factors. Environmental factors include factors such as nutrition, stress, environmental pollution, and lifestyle habits, while genetic factors include chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations, and hereditary disorders. Accurate identification and understanding of these factors can help improve the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
The purpose of this review study is to identify and categorize environmental factors affecting infertility, identify and categorize genetic factors affecting infertility, investigate the interaction between environmental and genetic factors in the occurrence of infertility, and evaluate the proposed strategies for the prevention and treatment of infertility related to these factors.
Methods: This research has been done as a systematic review.
Studies published between 2000 and 2022 that investigated the effect of environmental and genetic factors on infertility.
Data were collected by searching scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search keywords included "infertility", "environmental factors", "genetic factors" and "gene mutation".
Studies that investigated the effect of environmental and genetic factors on infertility and had valid methodology have been reviewed. Irrelevant articles, low quality studies and invalid articles were excluded from the review.
The collected data have been reviewed and analyzed using the methods of content analysis and qualitative meta-analysis.
Results: The results of the review showed that factors such as poor nutrition, stress, environmental pollution (such as heavy metals and chemicals), smoking and alcohol consumption, and unhealthy lifestyle habits can significantly affect infertility.
Chromosomal abnormalities such as Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome, genetic mutations in fertility-related genes such as FMR1, and inherited disorders such as metabolic abnormalities can lead to infertility.
Some studies showed that there is a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. For example, people with certain gene mutations may be more sensitive to environmental factors, which can lead to an increased risk of infertility.
Various strategies have been suggested for the prevention and treatment of infertility related to these factors. These strategies include changes in lifestyle, stress management, improved nutrition, genetic counseling and the use of advanced medical techniques such as IVF and PGD.
Conclusion: This systematic review study showed that infertility is influenced by multiple environmental and genetic factors. To prevent and effectively treat infertility, we need to accurately identify these factors and develop comprehensive and multifaceted solutions. Lifestyle changes, stress management, genetic counseling and the use of advanced medical techniques can help reduce infertility and improve fertility. Also, further research on the interaction between environmental and genetic factors can help improve our understanding of this problem and develop new solutions.