Occupational exposure to whole-body vibration and infertility outcomes: A review of the available evidence and challenges

Infertility is an important public health concern influenced by multiple factors, including environmental pollutants (e.g., organic solvents, heavy metals, and pesticides), occupational exposures, infections, and lifestyle factors. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the potential role of occupational physical exposures, particularly whole-body vibration (WBV), in adverse reproductive health outcomes. Whole-body vibration is commonly encountered in various industries and occupations, including truck and bus driving, agricultural work involving tractors and harvesters, operation of forklifts and industrial vehicles, military vehicles and aircraft, marine vessels, and rail transportation. Although the adverse effects of WBV on the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems have been extensively studied, its potential impact on the reproductive system remains relatively underexplored. Epidemiological evidence suggests that long-term exposure to WBV may be associated with alterations in male reproductive health, including reduced sperm quality, decreased sperm motility, and hormonal disturbances. In women, several observational studies have reported associations between occupational vibration exposure and an increased risk of menstrual disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage. However, the available human evidence remains limited and, in some cases, contradictory. This review aims to examine the available human and animal evidence regarding the potential effects of WBV on reproductive health. Overall, the current evidence is insufficient to establish a definitive causal relationship between WBV exposure and adverse reproductive outcomes. Therefore, further well-designed epidemiological and experimental studies are needed to clarify these associations.