Why are men born with low birth weight more likely to experience infertility?

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Diagram showing the female reproductive system with labeled ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, alongside hormone pathways and the process from ovulation to fertilization and early embryo development. — infertility Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.

Research indicates that men born with a low birth weight are more likely to experience infertility compared to those born with an average weight for their gestational age.1

While the specific biological mechanisms underlying this association are not fully detailed in current medical literature, the correlation suggests that early developmental factors may influence long-term reproductive health. It is important to note that male infertility itself is often linked to various physical factors, including issues with sperm production, anatomical abnormalities, or the presence of a varicocele, all of which can impair sperm quality or quantity.1

Furthermore, researchers view reduced sperm function and male infertility as potential risk markers for other health conditions later in life, such as prostate cancer, though a definitive causal link between these factors remains to be established.1