How air pollution and temperature affect men's fertility and infertility treatments
Official title: Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Temperature During Spermatogenesis: Impact on Men's Reproductive Health and Infertility Treatment Outcomes
Funded at University of Massachusetts Amherst · NIH-10830942 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how air pollution and temperature changes might affect men's sperm health and fertility, helping us understand more about male infertility and how it can impact couples trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project start | May 4, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $145,787 |
| NIH project number | 5K01ES034005-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10830942 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing infertility issues or those undergoing infertility treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing fertility issues or who are not seeking infertility treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of ambient air pollution and temperature on men's reproductive health, particularly during the process of sperm development. It aims to understand how these environmental factors may influence semen quality and the success of infertility treatments. By analyzing data from a previous trial, the study will assess the effects of exposure to air pollution and temperature extremes on male fertility outcomes. This research seeks to fill gaps in knowledge regarding male-factor infertility, which is a significant contributor to couple infertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for male infertility, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes for couples trying to conceive.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that environmental factors like air pollution can negatively affect semen quality, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in existing findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hadley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nobles, Carrie — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Nobles, Carrie
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.