Bibliometric insights into endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male infertility research: global trends from 2000 to 2025

Background: Male infertility has emerged as a major public health challenge, with exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals recognized as an important contributor to reproductive dysfunction. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on male infertility and endocrine-disrupting chemicals published from 2000 to 2025 to characterize the evolution, knowledge structure, and research frontiers of the field. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed using bibliometric tools, including R software (version 4.3.2), VOSviewer (version 1.6.19), CiteSpace (version 6.2.R6), and GraphPad Prism (version 8.0.2). Results: A total of 7083 records were included. Annual publication output increased steadily, reflecting growing attention to this field. The United States and China were the leading contributors. Keyword and reference analyses showed that research on male infertility and endocrine disruptors focused primarily on in utero exposure, heavy metals, and Sertoli cell biology. Emerging research themes included oxidative stress, perfluoroalkyl substances, and molecular pathways involved in reproductive toxicity. Conclusions: This study maps the intellectual landscape of research on male infertility and endocrine-disrupting chemicals and identifies major research trajectories, principal contributors, and emerging frontiers. These findings provide a strategic framework for guiding future research in the field.

Male infertility; Endocrine-disrupting chemicals; Reproductive toxicity; Semen quality; Bibliometric analysis

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