Reproductive Health and the Environment

The link between reproductive health and the environment has been strengthened by the findings of recent studies. It is becoming increasingly important to link results and data from such studies into a model that aids in the explanation of phenomena observed in the field and facilitates predictability. To this end, the aim of this book is to review recent trends and developments in the study of the impact that the environment has on human reproduction. These issues are thoroughly examined, using the most modern techniques and methods available, to analyze the manner in which both male and female fertility can be affected and assessed. Such diverse factors as toxic environmental contaminants, air pollution, and exposure to medical drugs are examined. The book includes both a historical overview and a look towards the future, aiming to integrate health concerns into policy-making and legislation.

This book will be of interest to researchers, health professionals, environmental scientists, and policy-makers.

Zusammenfassung
The scope of environmental impact on reproduction is very large. It aims at covering all aspects of reproductive problems and their links to the environment. Therefore, it deals with female and male reproductive impairments, whatever their severity and their sites, gonad or extra-gonad. For women, effects include direct lesions of the oocyte, with possibilities of chromosomal abnormalities but also malformations of the reproductive tract. Reduced fertility and in some cases total infertility may also result from menstrual irregularities, which can at times include anovulatory cycles. Hormonal changes, even in the absence of menstrual irregularities may also lead to decreased fertility. In addition to congenital malformations, other impairments of the reproductive apparatus may occur, as in the polycystic ovarian syndrome or in endometriosis. Finally one can also include effects during pregnancy leading to spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery still birth or altered sex ratio. Impacts on age at menarche and age at menopause lead to a change in the duration of reproductive life.

Inhalt

Introduction: Environmental Impact On Reproductive Health, Recent Trends And Developments.- Introduction: Environmental Impact On Reproductive Health, Recent Trends And Developments.- The Link Between Reproductive Health and Environment.- Epidemiological Studies On The Relationship Between Semen Quality And Environmental Chemicals: Historic And Contemporary Compounds.- Environment And Fertility.- Reproductive Health Effects.- Male Reproductive Status and Its Relationship With Man-Made, Hormone-Disrupting Substances: Studies in Flanders, Belgium.- Potential Impact of The Environment on The Male Reproductive Function: The Example of Cryptorchidism.- Advanced Glycation End Products in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.- Oocytes and Ovarian Follicles As Targets Of Endocrine Disrupters: Consequences For Reproductive Health.- Pollutants and Exposure.- Non-Pesticide Endocrine Disrupters And Reproductive Health.- Medical Drugs Impairing Fertility.- Impact Of Air Pollution On Reproductive Health In Northern Bohemia.- Policy Instruments and Issues.- Pesticides As Endocrine Disrupters: Identification Of Hazards For Female Reproductive Function.- Assessment Of Fertility And Other Health Impacts For Selected Pollutants In Flanders: Opportunities And Limitations.- Problems In Assessing Low Dose Effects Of Endocrine Disrupters.- Getting The Message Across - WWF'S and ISDE's Perspectives on Communication Strategies to Reduce Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals.- Environmental Ethics and Fertility in Early Cultures and the Industrial Age.- Regional Aspects.- Reproductive Health Problems in the Greater Athens Area.- Environment and Reproductive Health in Bulgaria.