In a recent opinion paper published in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) addresses how exposures to environmental toxics — including endocrine disrupting chemicals — have a wide range of impacts on reproductive health, and how clinicians can play a role in addressing this issue.
In short:
- Extensive research has linked exposure to environmental toxics with an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, hormonally mediated cancers, menopause, and both female and male infertility.
- The key mechanisms behind these impacts include hormone disruption, oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes that can affect multiple generations.
- FIGO emphasizes that harm from environmental toxics can be addressed, and that clinicians play a crucial role in ensuring environmental factors are meaningfully considered as a part of patient care.
Key quote: “As trusted health advisors, obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYNs) have an essential role in integrating environmental health into routine gynecologic and fertility care.”
Why this matters:
In this opinion paper, FIGO argues that clinicians should incorporate environmental health into routine care, and provides practical strategies to do so. Some of these strategies include taking environmental histories, counseling patients on risk reduction and healthy lifestyles, recognizing high-risk settings (e.g., occupational exposures), and advising patients on simple steps to reduce exposure — particularly during sensitive windows like preconception, pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. Clinicians should be aware of regional environmental health alerts, such as air quality advisories or contamination events. In addition, clinicians can advocate for policy change.
Related EHN coverage:
- Chemical mixtures may impact fertility and IVF success, new study finds
- Understanding how the environment affects pregnant people’s health
More resources:
Additional International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) statements and opinions relating to the environment:
- FIGO opinion on reproductive health impacts of exposure to toxic environmental chemicals
- FIGO calls for removal of PFAS from global use
- Removal of glyphosate from global usage
- Climate Crisis and Health
- Statement on Draft Strategy on health, environment and climate change
- Toxic chemicals and environmental contaminants in prenatal vitamins
DeNicola, Nathaniel et al. for International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. Sept. 26, 2025
