Growing Evidence of Environmental Impact

Teh International Federation of Gynecology adn Obstetrics (FIGO)’s Committee on climate Change and Toxic Environmental exposures has published two new Committee opinion papers in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (IJGO). These papers explore the increasing evidence connecting environmental exposures to a range of gynecological and obstetric health conditions throughout a woman’s life.

Women face exposure to various environmental toxicants – including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), air pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial compounds – from adolescence, during pregnancy, and through menopause. these exposures can disrupt hormonal function, affect ovarian reserve, increase disease risk, and impact both obstetric and early childhood outcomes.

Specific Health Risks Identified

The papers, based on systematic reviews and high-quality literature, demonstrate that these environmental exposures can elevate the risk of several conditions, including:

• Infertility
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Hormonally mediated cancers
• Menopause-related health concerns
• Preterm birth and low birth weight
• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes
• Childhood conditions such as developmental delay, obesity, and atopic disorders

The research also highlights the biological mechanisms at play, such as endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, inflammation, and epigenetic changes. These factors can exacerbate existing health disparities, as historically marginalized populations often experience disproportionately higher exposure to harmful environmental factors.

Guidance for Clinicians

The Committee opinion provides practical guidance for obstetricians and gynecologists, encouraging them to:

• Integrate environmental health into routine care by providing patient counseling and conducting exposure screenings.
• Advocate for systemic changes to reduce environmental risks and promote reproductive health equity.
• Assume leadership roles in raising awareness and influencing policies related to the environmental determinants of reproductive health.

FIGO’s Commitment to Reproductive Justice

these publications underscore FIGO’s dedication to addressing environmental health as a crucial component of reproductive justice and equity on a global scale.