Association between exposure to volatile organic compounds and female infertility: An NHANES analysis

Infertility affects a large portion of the global population, with environmental, lifestyle, and biological factors contributing to its incidence. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely used in consumer products, and are considered environmental pollutants and are associated with various adverse health outcomes. However, their impact on female fertility remains unclear. This study investigated the relation between urinary VOC metabolite levels and infertility in women.

This cross-sectional analysis utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 2013-2018. Female participants 18-45 years old with reproductive health data were included. Infertility status was determined through questionnaire responses, and urinary VOC metabolite levels were obtained from the NHANES laboratory data. The associations between VOC levels and infertility were assessed through univariate and multivariable regression analyses.

Of the 29,400 female participants in the NHANES data set, 1097 women met the inclusion criteria. Multivariable analysis adjusted for confounders showed significant associations between 12 specific VOC metabolites and an increased likelihood of infertility, with N-Acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-l-cysteine (DHBMA) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.48, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.12, p = 0.030) and N-Acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-l-cysteine (2HPMA) (aOR = 1.41, 95 % CI:1.07-1.85, p = 0.016) showing the strongest associations.

Our study highlights a significant association between specific urinary VOC metabolites and an increased likelihood of infertility in women. While causality cannot be conclusively determined, the findings offer an initial insight into the reproductive health risks linked to VOC exposure.