You are here:
IMPROVING MEASURES OF BIOLOGIC EFFECT: MEASURING EFFECTS IN HUMAN MALES.
Impact/Purpose:
There are no data on possible male reproductive effects in humans despite animal toxicologic studies that suggest this may be an important reproductive endpoint. This study will pilot some methodologies on the feasibility of conducting population-based semen studies using at-home sample collection.
Description:
Animal toxicology studies have demonstrated spermatogenesis and sperm quality effects after exposure to DCA, BDCM, chloral hydrate and DBA. Population-based field studies to identify human male reproductive risks of DBPs require preliminary work to develop specific epidemiologic and technical tools. Field studies of male reproductive disorders require a multi-disciplinary approach that includes detailed exposure information, health and reproductive histories and the use of contemporary methods of semen analysis. The components covered in this project include: development of a validated questionnaire specific to male reproductive effects; development of a kit for home semen collection that is easy to use, and requires minimal instruction and preserves specimen integrity during shipment to a laboratory, and preliminary data on ease of use of this kit in the field.