Associations Between Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Exposure and Fertility Outcomes: A Decade of Human Epidemiological Evidence.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Systematic review of 14 observational epidemiological studies
PubMed 40724496 · doi:10.3390/life15070993
What was done
Authors conducted a systematic review of human observational studies published between 2014 and 2024 via PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review evaluated associations between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (including bisphenol A, bisphenol S, phthalates, parabens, PFAS, and persistent organic pollutants) and reproductive outcomes in males and females of reproductive age. A total of 14 observational studies were included.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data, effect estimates, or confidence intervals. It qualitatively reports consistent associations between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and adverse outcomes, including impaired semen quality, reduced ovarian reserve, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, altered estradiol, LH, and FSH concentrations, and poorer outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies including in vitro fertilization.
Why it matters
This paper consolidates a decade of epidemiological findings showing persistent associations between common environmental chemical exposures and reproductive dysfunction in both men and women.
Limits
The synthesis is limited to observational studies, precluding causal inference. The abstract reports substantial methodological heterogeneity, provides no quantitative meta-analytic pooling, and notes a lack of longitudinal data assessing chronic cumulative exposures.
Cited by
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- supports PFAS chemicals are linked to serious health issues including hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility issues.
- supports PFAS exposure is linked to major health issues including endocrine disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility impairment.
- supports PFAS chemicals are linked to health issues including hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility issues.
- supports PFAS exposure is linked to hormone disruption, gut microbiome disruption, and fertility issues.