Association between Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number and Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium.

Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se).

The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length and reproductive function of infertile male patients.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between the ratio of index to ring finger lengths (2D:4D ratio), reflecting androgen exposure in utero, and reproductive function among men.

Methods: Male patients ( = 180) who consulted for fertility issues participated in the study. The palms of both hands were scanned, and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated.

Fecundability and Sterility by Age: Estimates Using Time to Pregnancy Data of Japanese Couples Trying to Conceive Their First Child with and without Fertility Treatment.

Fecundability, the probability of conception in a month or in a menstrual cycle, varies across and within age groups for both women and men. Fertility treatment has become common in a number of countries including Japan, but its impact on the age pattern of fecundability is unknown. By utilizing the previously collected data on time to pregnancy (TTP) of Japanese couples trying to conceive their first child, the present study aimed to estimate fecundability and sterility by women's age and to assess how the estimates may differ by including or excluding assisted conceptions.