Semin Reprod Med 2006; 24(3): 129-133
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-944418
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Infertility and the Environment: The Medical Context

Linda C. Giudice1
  • 1Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, The Robert B. Jaffe MD Endowed Chair in the Reproductive Sciences, Director, Program in Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 June 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

Approximately 10 to 15% of the population experiences infertility. Although 85 to 90% of couples or individuals who experience infertility have a diagnosis for their infertility, underlying causes of infertility rarely are found. Extensive literature reporting adverse effects of environmental contaminants on wildlife and laboratory animal reproductive tract development, and reproductive function and epidemiologic studies with humans, suggests that many environmental chemicals and heavy metals may contribute to infertility. This article introduces the medical context in which infertility patients are evaluated and lays the foundation for health care professional and patient conversations, and medical education regarding environmental contaminants and human reproductive health for the future.

REFERENCES

 Dr.
Linda C Giudice

Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences

University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143

Email: giudice@obgyn.ucsf.edu