Reproductive Toxicity

Reproductive toxicity encompasses a range of adverse effects on reproductive health and development, including impaired fertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and developmental abnormalities in offspring. The severity and manifestation vary depending on the causative agent, exposure parameters, and individual susceptibility.

Reproductive toxicity refers to adverse effects on reproduction or development. These effects can manifest in various ways, including impaired fertility (in both males and females), adverse pregnancy outcomes (such as miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or low birth weight), and developmental abnormalities in offspring (including structural defects, functional deficits, and neurobehavioral changes). The specific manifestations and severity of reproductive toxicity depend on the agent causing the toxicity, the dose and duration of exposure, the timing of exposure during development, and individual susceptibility factors. Exposure to reproductive toxins can occur through various routes, including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. The underlying mechanisms of reproductive toxicity are complex and can involve disruption of hormonal balance, damage to germ cells (sperm and eggs), interference with placental function, or direct toxicity to the developing embryo or fetus.