During the past few decades, scientifi c evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to
environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large and growing group of such compounds
of anthropogenic or natural origin is referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), due to their deleterious action on the
endocrine system. This concern was fi rst focused on the control of reproductive function particularly in males, but has later been
expanded to include all possible endocrine functions. The present review describes the underlying physiology behind the cascade
of developmental events that occur during sexual differentiation of males and the specifi c role of androgen in the masculinization
process and proper organogenesis of the external male genitalia. The impact of the genetic background, environmental exposures
and lifestyle factors in the etiology of hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are reviewed and the possible role of EDCs
in the development of these reproductive disorders is discussed critically. Finally, the possible direct and programming effects
of exposures in utero to widely use therapeutic compounds, environmental estrogens and other chemicals on the incidence of
reproductive abnormalities and poor semen quality in humans are also highlighted.

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