Chlorinated hydrocarbons in infertile women

This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that chlorinated hyd rocarbons (CHC) may affect fertility in women. In 489 infertile women, CHC levels were measured in whole blood. Different anamnestic and clinical para meters were obtained or investigated in order to detect possible associatio ns to CHC concentrations. CHC levels were correlated to the women's age, bo dy mass index, and nationality. Especially in women with uterine fibroids, endometriosis, miscarriages, persistent infertility, and hormonal disturban ces, elevated concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons with long half-liv es were observed. Chlorinated hydrocarbons may play a role in female infert ility and may be an underlying factor in certain gynecological conditions. (C) 1999 Academic Press.