Semen fluid chemical patterns, preconception phthalate exposure, and chances of pregnancy
Seminal plasma metabolomic signatures, preconception phthalates and reproductive outcomes.
This project looks at chemicals in semen and how a man's exposure to phthalates before conception relates to fertility and pregnancy chances for couples trying to conceive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, researchers will collect semen and urine from men before conception to measure metabolites and phthalate levels. They will use detailed chemical analyses of the seminal fluid to find patterns (metabolomic signatures) that link to sperm health and embryo outcomes. Couples will be followed over time to record time to pregnancy and other reproductive outcomes. The goal is to see whether specific seminal fluid markers and environmental chemical exposures help explain why some couples have trouble conceiving.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men who are planning pregnancy with their partner or couples actively trying to conceive who can provide semen and urine samples before conception are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People not trying to conceive, those already receiving certain assisted reproductive technologies, or couples whose infertility is solely due to a diagnosed female condition may not get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify semen-based biomarkers and environmental risk factors that lead to better diagnosis and more personalized care for male-factor infertility.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked male phthalate exposure to lower sperm quality and longer time to pregnancy, but applying seminal plasma metabolomics to find actionable biomarkers is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Detroit, United States
- Wayne State University — Detroit, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pilsner, J. Richard — Wayne State University
- Study coordinator: Pilsner, J. Richard
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 below.