New Research Links “Forever Chemicals” to Reduced Fertility, Pregnancy Complications
April 7, 2026
For Immediate Release
Study finds growing evidence that PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” may reduce fertility, increase risk of preeclampsia, contribute to preterm birth
Washington, DC—F&S Reviews, an official journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has published a new narrative review examining how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may affect female fertility, pregnancy, and birth outcomes. The study finds that PFAS can cross critical physiological barriers and accumulate in reproductive tissues, raising concerns about potential risks before, during, and after pregnancy.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a large class of synthetic compounds that do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Since the 1940s, these chemicals have been widely used in products such as firefighting foams, stain- and water-resistant coatings, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. According to the CDC, nearly all people in the United States have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Their chemical stability, which makes them commercially useful, also allows them to accumulate in the body over time, prompting the growing concern about their impact on reproductive health.
Key findings include:
These findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to PFAS during the reproductive years,” the authors write. “Given the persistence of these chemicals and their ability to accumulate in reproductive tissues, prevention strategies and stronger environmental safeguards are critical to protecting maternal and infant health.”
The authors also note that newer replacement PFAS chemicals do not consistently appear less hazardous than legacy compounds. The review highlights the risk of “regrettable substitution,” in which structurally modified chemicals are introduced without sufficient evidence that they are safer. The authors call for outcome-based safety evaluation, class-based regulatory approaches, and additional research into mixture effects and paternal exposure.
Read the review in full here
For Immediate Release
Study finds growing evidence that PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” may reduce fertility, increase risk of preeclampsia, contribute to preterm birth
Washington, DC—F&S Reviews, an official journal of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), has published a new narrative review examining how exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may affect female fertility, pregnancy, and birth outcomes. The study finds that PFAS can cross critical physiological barriers and accumulate in reproductive tissues, raising concerns about potential risks before, during, and after pregnancy.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a large class of synthetic compounds that do not easily break down in the environment or the human body. Since the 1940s, these chemicals have been widely used in products such as firefighting foams, stain- and water-resistant coatings, non-stick cookware, and food packaging. According to the CDC, nearly all people in the United States have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. Their chemical stability, which makes them commercially useful, also allows them to accumulate in the body over time, prompting the growing concern about their impact on reproductive health.
Key findings include:
- PFAS are repeatedly detected in reproductive tissues, including follicular and amniotic fluid, placental tissue, and breast milk.
- Preconception exposure is linked to reduced fertility, including diminished ovarian reserve, hormonal disruption, and poorer outcomes in assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- During pregnancy, PFAS exposure is associated with serious complications, including preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and preterm birth.
- Exposure has been linked to complex reproductive disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis.
These findings highlight the importance of reducing exposure to PFAS during the reproductive years,” the authors write. “Given the persistence of these chemicals and their ability to accumulate in reproductive tissues, prevention strategies and stronger environmental safeguards are critical to protecting maternal and infant health.”
The authors also note that newer replacement PFAS chemicals do not consistently appear less hazardous than legacy compounds. The review highlights the risk of “regrettable substitution,” in which structurally modified chemicals are introduced without sufficient evidence that they are safer. The authors call for outcome-based safety evaluation, class-based regulatory approaches, and additional research into mixture effects and paternal exposure.
Read the review in full here
For almost a century, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has been the global leader in multidisciplinary reproductive medicine research, ethical practice, and education. ASRM impacts reproductive care and science worldwide by creating funding opportunities for advancing reproduction research and discovery, by providing evidence-based education and public health information, and by advocating for reproductive health care professionals and the patients they serve. With members in more than 100 countries, the Society is headquartered in Washington, DC, with additional operations in Birmingham, AL. www.asrm.org
For media inquiries regarding this press release contact:
Sean Tipton
ASRM Chief Advocacy and Policy Officer
E: stipton@asrm.org
Anna Hovey
Advocacy Engagement Specialist
E: ahovey@asrm.org
J. Benjamin Younger Office of Public Affairs
726 7th St. SE
Washington, DC 20003
Tel: (202) 863-2494
Press Releases
Check out these press releases as well
New Research Links “Forever Chemicals” to Reduced Fertility, Pregnancy Complications
Study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” may harm fertility, raise preeclampsia risk, and increase preterm birth, highlighting urgent reproductive health concerns.
Bipartisan HOPE Act Reintroduced in Congress to Expand Fertility Coverage Nationwide
HOPE Act reintroduced to mandate nationwide insurance coverage for infertility care, expanding access to IVF, fertility preservation, and essential treatments.
ASRM President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks Receives Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award
ASRM has proudly announced President-Elect Dr. Amy Sparks, Ph.D., as the winner of the 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR).
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL) Announces 2026 PRIMED Cohort
ASRM's Center for Policy and Leadership (CPL) announced it's third class of the 2026 PRIMED cohort since the program’s 2024 beginning.The News from ASRM
Latest News
An indispensable news digest for reproductive scientists, clinicians and allied health professionals. The Latest News posts are available to ASRM members in good standing only.
ASRM Press Releases/Bulletins
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the press and Society members of important recent developments.
Topic Resources
View more on the topic of environmental factors
Key Abstracts Presented at the ASRM 2025 Scientific Congress & Expo
ASRM 2025 reveals support for IVF access, wildfire smoke's fertility risks, and how insurance mandates improve outcomes in reproductive health care. View the Press Release
Best practices of ASRM and ESHRE: a journey through reproductive medicine (2012)
ASRM and ESHRE are the two largest societies in the world whose members comprise the major experts and professionals working in reproductive medicine. View the Committee Joint Guideline
Environment and Reproduction Special Interest Group (ERSIG)
The ERSIG seeks to enhance understanding of the effect of environmental factors on reproductive health through excellence in education, research and clinical practice. Learn more about the ERSIGTopic Resources
View more on the topic of female fertility
Fertility and Sterility On Air - Roundtable: Influencing Ovarian Aging
Explore ovarian aging in reproductive medicine—experts discuss IVF research, emerging treatments, mTOR pathways, and why “ovarian rejuvenation” remains unproven. Listen to the Episode
New Research Links “Forever Chemicals” to Reduced Fertility, Pregnancy Complications
Study finds PFAS “forever chemicals” may harm fertility, raise preeclampsia risk, and increase preterm birth, highlighting urgent reproductive health concerns. View the Press Release
Mar 2026: Your Guide to Coding for Fertility-Related Ultrasound Procedures
This document reviews correct coding for the ultrasound procedures most commonly performed by physicians providing fertility care. View the blog post
New Research Reveals Significant Fertility Knowledge Gaps Among Gen Z Women
F&S Reports has released a first of its kind study looking at American Gen Z women and their understanding of fertility treatment. View the Press Release
Journal Club Global at Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine Meeting
Fertility & Sterility is proud to once again partner with the Turkish Society of Reproductive Medicine. The panel will discuss the evidence behind an association between endometrial thickness and chance of live birth.
View the Video
Jan 2025: New Chaperone CPT Code
Introducing a New CPT Code for Reimbursement of Pelvic Exams Performed in Clinic View the blog post
Documentation for ultrasound coding 76830
Regarding billing code 76830: it “includes imaging of the uterus, endometrium, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic structures such as the bladder, as indicated. View the Answer
Billing both partners for 99205 initial consultation
We discussed the ability to bill 99205 for an initial consultation on both the male and female partners if they both present for the consultation. View the Answer
HyCoSy and CPT 74740
When Office HSG/HyCoSy is performed but no x-ray/fluoroscopic imaging is performed, only ultrasound is done, is it appropriate to bill CPT code 74740? View the Answer
Tobacco or marijuana use and infertility: a committee opinion (2023)
In the United States, approximately 21% of adults report some form of tobacco use, although 18% report marijuana use. View Committee Opinion
Exclusion of IVF services due to Z31.83
My wife and I have been seeking IVF treatment and this year coverage was added to my benefits for infertility treatment (up to $25,000). View the Answer
Interactive MAC Tool
Explore the diagnosis of a 15-year-old with right-sided pain using the ASRM Mac Tool to assess uterine anomalies, including uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina. View the ASRMed Talk Video
Total versus Free estradiol
Should patients with fertility issues be billing Estradiol Free (82681) instead of Estradiol Total (82670)? View the Answer
Vitamin D Testing in Infertility Patients
We are being told that, as of this year, vitamin D level screening is not being covered by many insurers. View the Answer
Post Vasectomy Infertility
If a husband has had a vasectomy, does the sterilization code apply to the wife's visits? View the Answer
Sperm Wash No Male Factor
What would be the best code to use for a sperm wash when it is not a male factor issue? View the Answer
Transvaginal Cyst Aspiration
If a cyst aspiration is completed in office, what codes could be used for this service in a clinic setting? View the Answer
Testing With No History of Infertility
What diagnosis codes should providers submit to insurance carriers while trying to evaluate fertility issues? View the Answer
IUI or IVF
Should other ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.8) or unspecified ovarian dysfunction (diagnosis code E28.9) can be used for an IUI or an IVF cycle View the Answer
Ovulation Induction Monitoring With PCOS
We have a patient insisting that we code the ultrasound follicle monitoring with the PCOS diagnosis. View the Answer
Diagnostic Testing of an Infertile Couple
The Z31.41 is or is not the correct code to use for diagnostic testing of an infertile couple? And If so can if be used as the primary and only code? View the Answer
Optimizing natural fertility: a committee opinion (2022)
This committee opinion provides practitioners with suggestions for optimizing the likelihood of achieving pregnancy in couples... View the Committee Opinion
Diagnosis and treatment of luteal phase deficiency: a committee opinion (2021)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Luteal Phase Deficiency committee opinion (ASRM, 2021): reviews LPD causes, controversy in diagnosis, and current evidence-based guidance. View the Committee Opinion
Use of exogenous gonadotropins for ovulation induction in anovulatory women: a committee opinion (2020)
Pretreatment evaluation, indications, treatment regimens, and complications of gonadotropin treatment. View the Committee Opinion
Guidance for Providers Caring for Women and Men Of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure (Updated 2019)
This ASRM guidance specifically addresses Zika virus infection issues and concerns of individuals undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART). View the Guideline
American Society for Reproductive Medicine position statement on uterus transplantation: a committee opinion (2018)
Following the birth of the first child from a transplanted uterus in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2014, other centers worldwide have produced scientific reports. View the Committee Opinion
Removal of myomas in asymptomatic patients to improve fertility and/or reduce miscarriage rate: a guideline (2017)
This review evaluates if uterine myomas impact likelihood of pregnancy and pregnancy loss, and if myomectomy influences pregnancy outcomes. View the Guideline
Uterus Transplantation Intersociety Roundtable (2016)
A Roundtable to discuss the development of uterus transplantation in the United States was convened under the sponsorship of ASRM and ASRT. View Roundtable discussion
Improving the Reporting of Clinical Trials of Infertility Treatments (IMPRINT): modifying the CONSORT statement (2014)
Clinical trials testing infertility treatments often do not report on the major outcomes of interest to patients and clinicians and the public. View the Guideline
Recommended practices for the management of embryology, andrology, and endocrinology laboratories: a committee opinion (2014)
A general overview for good management practices within the endocrinology, andrology, and embryology laboratories in the United States. View the Recommendation
