Reproductive System Disorders | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/health/reproductive
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:36
Reproductive System Disorders | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Reproductive System Disorders
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Program Description
Exposure to environmental pollutants can lead to disorders that affect the function of male and female reproductive systems. These problems can occur at any stage in life and include birth defects of the reproductive system, pregnancy complications, early puberty, developmental disorders, low birth weight, preterm birth, reduced fertility, impotence, and menstrual disorders.
The effects of some environmental exposures on reproductive health problems are well studied. For example,
lead exposure
is associated with reduced fertility in men and women. In addition, evidence suggests that
exposure to endocrine disruptors
might contribute to problems with fertility, pregnancy, and other aspects of reproduction.
What Is NIEHS Doing?
NIEHS supports research that is increasing the understanding of the relationship between exposures and risk of reproductive health problems. For example, grantees are studying the effects of arsenic exposure on birth outcomes; ties between dioxin exposure and endometriosis; and the role endocrine disruptors might play in sperm chromosomal abnormalities.
Further Reading
Relevant Websites and Fact Sheets
NIEHS Reproductive Health
NIEHS Women's Health and the Environment
NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health
Reproductive Health and Your Environment Fact Sheet
(1MB)
Allen J. Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D., Reproductive Research Summary
Funding Opportunities
NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health Funding Opportunities
Pediatric and Reproductive Environmental Health Scholars (PREHS) Program
Intramural Research at NEIHS
NIEHS Fertility and Reproductive Health Group
Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory
Stories from the
Environmental Factor
(NIEHS newsletter)
Exposures Affect Men’s Biological Clocks, Too
(June 2023)
Researchers Identify Cells Involved in Development of Genitalia
(July 2021)
Program Leads
Abee L. Boyles, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3241
[email protected]
Thaddeus T. Schug, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3319
[email protected]
Related Links
Allen J. Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D.
How the environment affects fertility, pregnancy, and childhood development
Reproductive Health
Women's Health and the Environment
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: March 18, 2026
Skip Navigation
Reproductive System Disorders
Close the left navigation
Add
Program Description
Exposure to environmental pollutants can lead to disorders that affect the function of male and female reproductive systems. These problems can occur at any stage in life and include birth defects of the reproductive system, pregnancy complications, early puberty, developmental disorders, low birth weight, preterm birth, reduced fertility, impotence, and menstrual disorders.
The effects of some environmental exposures on reproductive health problems are well studied. For example,
lead exposure
is associated with reduced fertility in men and women. In addition, evidence suggests that
exposure to endocrine disruptors
might contribute to problems with fertility, pregnancy, and other aspects of reproduction.
What Is NIEHS Doing?
NIEHS supports research that is increasing the understanding of the relationship between exposures and risk of reproductive health problems. For example, grantees are studying the effects of arsenic exposure on birth outcomes; ties between dioxin exposure and endometriosis; and the role endocrine disruptors might play in sperm chromosomal abnormalities.
Further Reading
Relevant Websites and Fact Sheets
NIEHS Reproductive Health
NIEHS Women's Health and the Environment
NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health
Reproductive Health and Your Environment Fact Sheet
(1MB)
Allen J. Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D., Reproductive Research Summary
Funding Opportunities
NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health Funding Opportunities
Pediatric and Reproductive Environmental Health Scholars (PREHS) Program
Intramural Research at NEIHS
NIEHS Fertility and Reproductive Health Group
Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory
Stories from the
Environmental Factor
(NIEHS newsletter)
Exposures Affect Men’s Biological Clocks, Too
(June 2023)
Researchers Identify Cells Involved in Development of Genitalia
(July 2021)
Program Leads
Abee L. Boyles, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3241
[email protected]
Thaddeus T. Schug, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3319
[email protected]
Related Links
Allen J. Wilcox, M.D., Ph.D.
How the environment affects fertility, pregnancy, and childhood development
Reproductive Health
Women's Health and the Environment
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: March 18, 2026