Toxic metals in seminal plasma and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes

•We measured Hg, Cd, and Pb in seminal plasma from male partners of IVF couples.•Doubling in Hg-adjusted Pb was associated with a 47% lower total motile sperm count.•Positive association was suggested for Hg with pregnancy, adjusted for Pb or Cd.•Negative association was suggested for Cd and pregnancy, adjusted for Hg.•Positive association was suggested for Hg and live birth, adjusted for Pb or Cd.

We measured toxic metals in seminal plasma collected from 30 men using vitro fertilization (IVF), to evaluate associations with semen quality and IVF outcomes. A doubling in Hg-adjusted Pb concentration was associated with 47% lower total motile sperm. Positive associations were suggested for Hg with pregnancy and live birth, adjusted for Cd or Pb. A negative association was suggested for Hg-adjusted Cd with pregnancy. These data add to evidence indicating that toxic metals impact IVF.