Understanding how chemicals in personal care products affect women's fertility

Mapping the cosmetic chemical exposome and its role in female fertility

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11075338

This study is looking at how certain chemicals in personal care products might affect women's fertility, especially their ovarian health, by testing samples from women to see how these chemicals could impact their ability to conceive.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11075338 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of various chemicals found in personal care products on female fertility, particularly focusing on ovarian function. By analyzing blood and follicular fluid samples from women, the study aims to identify how exposure to thousands of chemicals may influence reproductive health. Utilizing advanced mass spectrometry and machine learning, the research will create a comprehensive database linking chemical exposure to fertility outcomes, which could help in understanding the disparities in reproductive health among different racial and ethnic groups.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility, particularly those who use personal care products regularly.

Not a fit: Patients who are not using personal care products or those not experiencing fertility issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for women facing infertility due to chemical exposures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that certain chemicals can negatively impact fertility, but this research aims to explore a broader range of exposures, making it a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.