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Your Environment. Your Health.

Reproductive System Disorders

Program Description

Exposure to environmental pollutants can lead to diseases, disorders, and conditions 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 developing a fuller 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.

For additional information on what NIEHS grantees are doing, visit our Who We Fund tool for grants related to female reproduction and male reproduction.

Program Leads

Abee Boyles, Ph.D.
Abee Boyles, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3241
abee.boyles@nih.gov
530 Davis Dr
530 Davis Drive (Keystone Bldg)
Durham, NC 27713
Kimberly A. McAllister, Ph.D.
Kimberly McAllister, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3287
Fax 919-316-4606
mcallis2@niehs.nih.gov
P.O. Box 12233
Mail Drop K3-12
Durham, N.C. 27709
Thaddeus Schug, Ph.D.
Thaddeus T. Schug, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3319
schugt2@niehs.nih.gov
530 Davis Dr
530 Davis Drive (Keystone Bldg)
Durham, NC 27713
Meilssa M. Smarr
Melissa M. Judd-Smarr, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-4507
melissa.smarr@nih.gov
530 Davis Dr
530 Davis Drive (Keystone Bldg)
Durham, NC 27713
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