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.
For additional information on what NIEHS grantees are doing, visit our Who We Fund tool for grants related to female reproduction and male reproduction.
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 in Females and Males Fact Sheet
- 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
- NIEHS Women's 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)
- Birth Defects Group Honors Niehs Scientists for Research, Service (July 2020)
- Preeclampsia May Harm Children’s Brain Development (May 2020)
Program Leads
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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
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Kimberly McAllister, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator -
Tel 984-287-3287
Fax 919-316-4606
mcallis2@niehs.nih.gov -
P.O. Box 12233Mail Drop K3-12Durham, N.C. 27709
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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
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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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