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HERO ID
3350233
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Physiological Aspects of Female Fertility: Role of the Environment, Modern Lifestyle, and Genetics
Author(s)
Hart, RJ
Year
2016
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Physiological Reviews
ISSN:
0031-9333
EISSN:
1522-1210
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
96
Issue
3
Page Numbers
873-909
Language
English
PMID
27252278
DOI
10.1152/physrev.00023.2015
Abstract
Across the Western World there is an increasing trend to postpone childbearing. Consequently, the negative influence of age on oocyte quality may lead to a difficulty in conceiving for many couples. Furthermore, lifestyle factors may exacerbate a couple's difficulty in conceiving due mainly to the metabolic influence of obesity; however, the negative impacts of low peripheral body fat, excessive exercise, the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, and smoking all have significant negative effects on fertility. Other factors that impede conception are the perceived increasing prevalence of the polycystic ovary syndrome, which is further exacerbated by obesity, and the presence of uterine fibroids and endometriosis (a progressive pelvic inflammatory disorder) which are more prevalent in older women. A tendency for an earlier sexual debut and to have more sexual partners has led to an increase in sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, there are several genetic influences that may limit the number of oocytes within the ovary; consequently, by postponing attempts at childbearing, a limitation of oocyte number may become evident, whereas in previous generations with earlier conception this potentially reduced reproductive life span did not manifest in infertility. Environmental influences on reproduction are under increasing scrutiny. Although firm evidence is lacking however, dioxin exposure may be linked to endometriosis, phthalate exposure may influence ovarian reserve, and bisphenol A may interfere with oocyte development and maturation. However, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is recognized to lead to ovarian damage and predispose the woman to ovarian failure.
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IRIS
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Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
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Litsearch Jan 2016 - July 2016
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Phthalates – Targeted Search for Epidemiological Studies
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Source - Dec 2016 Update (Private)
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