Common insecticides linked to lower sperm concentration in men, study finds

The researchers said further studies would be needed to establish the nature of the relationship between neonicotinoid exposure and semen quality, determine the effects of long-term exposure and assess the implications for reproductive health.

Meeker said collecting several urine samples before obtaining a semen sample could help researchers assess the relationship between exposure and sperm quality more accurately, particularly when chemical concentrations are very low.

Questions about exposure monitoring The study found that some pesticide breakdown products were present at higher concentrations in semen than in urine.