Heavy metals exposure and its association with infertility and pregnancy loss in Iraqi Women

Abstract

Background: Heavy metal exposure has been associated with adverse health effects including infertility and pregnancy loss. Nevertheless, the particular relationship between heavy metals and reproductive health has not been sufficiently investigated in the Iraqi population. Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify any correlation between heavy metal exposure (lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium) and infertility or miscarriage in women aged 18-40.Methods: A total of one hundred and fifty women were included, which were divided into two groups: The first group comprised one hundred women with infertility or pregnancy loss (case group), and the second group comprised one hundred healthy women (control group). Blood and urine samples were collected to measure concentrations of the heavy metals and the reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone). Data on reproductive outcomes, such as time to conception, time to miscarriage and ovulation, was also collected. Multiple regression analysis, t-tests, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: In comparison to the control group, significantly higher levels of heavy metals identified in the case group (p