Sexual EDC-ucation: What we Have Learned About Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Reproduction

• Published in: Current sexual health reports Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 170 - 181
• Main Authors: Holley, A., Mac Cionnaith, C. E., Gerson, C. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.09.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cervix; Embryos; Endocrinology; Estrogens; Females; Fertility; Genes; Genetic engineering; Hormones; Hypothalamus; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Motivation; Ovaries; Ovulation; Penis; Physiology; Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and G Rodríguez-Manzo; Pregnancy; Prenatal development; Puberty; Rodents; Section Editors; Sexual behavior; Steroids; Topical Collection on Preclinical and Psychophysiology; Urology; Reproductive health; Social behavior; Fertility; Endocrine-disrupting chemicals; Rodents; Sexual behavior
• ISSN: 1548-3584; 1548-3592
• DOI: 10.1007/s11930-020-00269-1

Purpose of Review In this review, the authors summarize findings from recent literature (published work between 2015 and 2019) as it pertains to how endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure affects reproduction and fecundity in rodents. Recent Findings Many studies within recent literature have reported the effects of EDCs on sociosexual choice, ultrasonic vocalizations, sexual behavior, and fecundity. However, a handful of studies investigating the same endpoints report no effects. EDCs are difficult chemicals to study due to their complex nature. Many factors can mitigate or dampen their observable effects. Authors summarize and discuss presented results and possible sources of inconsistency. Summary Both historic and current literature illuminate that reproductive endpoints are affected by EDC exposure, and thus, further exploration of this topic is both warranted and essential.