Development of a database of environmental exposures among infertile couples

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Project Period: 
1991
Project Investigator(s): 
K Clark, College of Nursing; E Smith, L Fuortes Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, The University of Iowa
Abstract: 

This study developed a database of environmental exposures among infertile couples and identified risk factors for infertility including occupational and chemical exposures, medical, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study was enhanced by enlisting a control group of fertile couples. Crude analysis showed farm exposure was adversely associated with overall and primary infertility, but not secondary infertility. Endometriosis and adjusted age were consistent and adversely associated with all types of infertility. Using step-wise logistical regression procedure and adjusting for all variables, women who reported having lived or worked on a farm for at least 6 months remained at significant increased risk for overall and primary infertility.

Publications: 

Fuortes L, Clark K, Kirchner H, Smith EH; Associations Between Female Infertility and Agricultural Work History. American Journal of Industrial Medicine. 1997; 31(4):445-451

Smith E, Hammonds-Ehlers M, Clark K, Kirchner H, Fuortes L; Occupational Exposures and Risk of Female Infertility. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 1997; 39(2):138-147