Could male infertility evaluations begin to include a tape measure? Maybe, if research findings hold true.
Crotch length (also known as anogenital distance or AGD) – the distance between the underside of the scrotum and the rectum – may have implications when it comes to sperm production and quality. And this news could assist reproductive health specialists when dealing with male infertility and treatments.
A recent study from the journal Environmental Health Perspectives indicated that although the AGD has long been known as a factor of infertility in laboratory rat populations, it’s only now being researched in humans. And just as in rats, a shorter AGD seems to be connected with male infertility .
Why do some men have a lower-than-average AGD? Though it’s impossible to say due to each man’s unique physical characteristics and genetics, a shorter AGD may have something to do with the way the male developed when in utero. And many scientists are beginning to speculate that shortened AGDs can be the result of early exposure to phthalates, found in plastics that are common in homes and offices.
One more notable item from the study – a longer-than-average AGD appeared to have no bearing on increased sperm count, motility or quality.