Expert: Florence M Rollwagen - 5/14/2009

Question
Hi
My boyfriend just told me his dad was in the vietnam war and exposed to agent orange. He said this means it could have affected him to, in that he may be infertile. Is this a real possiblity? I looked on the internet and could not find any info.
Thanks
Anna

Answer
Hi Anna:  Thanks for your question.  I looked for information as well, and asked a few experts I know about your question.

As far as I can tell, the best studies were done on the Vietnamese who were exposed to Agent Orange for long periods.  Their children had numerous birth defects as well as other metabolic problems.  There hasn't been any information on the children of Americans who were exposed and then left the country.

In my opinion, the constant exposure of the Vietnamese and their children could account for their conditions.  People who had a relatively short term exposure (and by that I mean less than their entire lifespan) may not pass any problems to their children.

Your boyfriend's father may know through the grapevine of problems other Vets have had, but this is not a scientific study.

In any case, a simple sperm motility analysis can be done at any fertility clinic.  It is not expensive and could put to rest any fears you may have.

Please write back if you have more questions.

FM Rollwagen, PhD