Reproductive health refers to the condition of male and female reproductive systems during all life stages. These systems are made of organs and hormone-producing glands, including the pituitary gland in the brain. Ovaries in females and testicles in males are reproductive organs, or gonads, that maintain health of their respective systems. They also function as glands because they produce and release hormones.
Reproductive disorders affect millions of Americans each year.
Female disorders include:
- Early or delayed puberty
- Endometriosis, a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the womb, known as the endometrium, grows outside of it
- Inadequate breastmilk supply
- Infertility or reduced fertility (difficulty getting pregnant)
- Menstrual problems including heavy or irregular bleeding
- Polycystic ovary syndrome, ovaries produce more male hormones than normal
- Problems during pregnancy
- Uterine fibroids, noncancerous growths in a woman’s uterus or womb
Male disorders include:
- Impotence or erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
Scientists believe environmental factors likely play a role in some reproductive disorders. Research shows exposure to environmental factors could affect reproductive health in the following ways:
- Exposure to lead is linked to reduced fertility in both men and women.
- Mercury exposure has been linked to issues of the nervous system like memory, attention, and fine motor skills.
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug once prescribed to women during pregnancy, can lead to increased risks in their daughters of cancer, infertility, and pregnancy complications.
- Exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds, chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormones, may contribute to problems with puberty, fertility, and pregnancy.