Professor Sharpe, from the University of Edinburgh, found that the impact of a mother’s weight and harmful habits during pregnancy can be even more significant than environmental factors. He analyzed various studies and published his findings in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B.

It turns out that the biggest culprits affecting male fertility are the harmful influences during the baby’s development in the womb. Obesity, smoking, exposure to pesticides, and car exhaust fumes can all wreak havoc on a baby boy’s reproductive health.

For instance, maternal smoking during pregnancy can slash a boy’s sperm concentration by over 40%! That’s huge compared to the minimal impact seen in cases where the father is a smoker.

So, why does this happen? Well, toxic chemicals and other factors can mess with the development of the testes even before birth. They can cause issues like a reduced number of Sertoli cells, which play a crucial role in sperm production.

Think of Sertoli cells as the guardians of the testes, creating a barrier that protects sperm production from harmful substances. During puberty, they kick into high gear thanks to hormones like testosterone, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

But when these cells are damaged early on, it can lead to long-lasting problems with male fertility. That’s why it’s crucial for expectant mothers to steer clear of harmful habits and maintain a healthy lifestyle for the sake of their baby boys’ future.