Introduction and objective:
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used industrial chemical found in plastics, food containers, and thermal receipts. As an endocrine-disrupting compound, BPA poses a potential threat to male reproductive health. The aim of this review is to examine the mechanisms by which BPA may impair male fertility, and to present current evidence linking BPA exposure to hormonal imbalance and reduced sperm quality.

Abbreviated description of the state of knowledge:
BPA exerts both estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity by binding to estrogen and androgen receptors, interfering with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and inhibiting testosterone production. It also induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in sperm cells, impairing motility, viability, and DNA integrity. Animal studies have consistently demonstrated these effects, while human studies suggest a correlation between urinary BPA levels and reduced sperm quality. Analogues, such as BPS and BPF, developed as substitutes, show similar endocrine-disrupting potential.

Summary:
BPA undermines male fertility by interfering with hormones, inducing oxidative stress, and interfering with sperm mitochondria and membranes. Alternatives like BPS and BPF have been proposed, but there are indications that they, too, pose similar reproductive risks. It is necessary to minimize exposure to BPA and analogues while exploring safer options. Further research, particularly large-scale human studies, is needed to clarify BPA’s long-term effects on fertility.