Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male reproductive health.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of animal, experimental, and observational literature without systematic review methodology.
PubMed 37827483 · doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.008
What was done
This review summarized experimental, animal, and human data evaluating the impact of exposure to four classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals—phenols, phthalates, pesticides, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—on male reproductive health.
What was found
No quantitative values or effect estimates were reported in the abstract. Animal and experimental data showed consistent evidence of negative effects across all four chemical groups. In humans, evidence of negative associations was strong for phthalates and pesticides, but limited and inconclusive for phenols and PFAS.
Why it matters
It outlines which environmental chemical classes currently have clear epidemiological links to male reproductive harms and identifies newer phenols and PFAS as major research gaps.
Limits
The abstract does not state the number of studies evaluated or search methodology. Human findings are constrained by exposure measurement differences, varied sample sizes, diverse study designs, and potential residual confounding.
Cited by
- supports PFAS compounds (forever chemicals) are linked to hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility issues.