What is...

The Study For Future Families I

Semen Quality in Partners of Pregnant Women

Some recent studies suggest that more couples are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. The Study for Future Families, funded by the federal government through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and conducted in several US cities ( now being conducted only in Iowa City, Iowa ), is part of an international effort to find out why some couples have difficulty becoming pregnant. By studying fertile couples , we hope to learn what levels of sex hormones (in blood) and how many sperm are necessary for normal pregnancy to take place.

What did participation involve?

A questionnaire about medical history, work and habits (like eating and smoking) was given to the woman and her partner. The questionnaires took about 15-30 minutes to complete. In addition a blood sample was provided from both the woman and her partner. The partner was also be given a brief physical examination and was asked to provide two semen samples. All information and test results were kept confidential; no names will be used. No genetic material will be examined or kept after the study, and there will be no testing for drugs or infectious diseases.

*** WE ARE NOT RECRUITING FOR SUBJECTS AT THIS TIME.***

The Study For Future Families II

Phthalates in Pregnant Women and Children

The potential effects of environmental phthalates on human reproductive health are of concern. Phthalates are among the most abundant synthetic chemicals in the environment (e.g. in plastics, soaps, cosmetics, food, water), and there is growing evidence of their reproductive toxicity. The potential effects of environmental phthalates on human reproductive health are of concern. Although appreciable human exposure to several phthalates has been established, there is little information relating phthalate levels to reproductive outcomes in humans. Further, no one has examined phthalate exposure during pregnancy. The Study for Future Families II (SFF II) with funding by the federal government through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was designed to study the in utero and post-natal exposure to phthalates and the relation of this exposure to reproductive development. The study will also attempt to identify sources of phthalate exposure and examine geographic and ethnic variations in phthalate metabolite levels

Who may participate?

Mothers who completed the first Study for Future Families and their children, as well as newly recruited mothers in Iowa.

What does participation involve?

Participation involves a questionnaire related to environmental exposures of the mother and baby, as well as two standardized pediatric exams (at 2-4 and 18-36 months if possible) A urine sample will be collected from the baby through the use of a special diaper at each visit. In addition, if agreed to, a cheek cell sample will be taken from the baby. The mother will also provide a urine sample as well as a sample of breast milk or formula, depending on what the child is eating at the time.

*** WE ARE NOT RECRUITING FOR SUBJECTS AT THIS TIME.***