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Prenatal Pesticide Exposure Linked to Male Genital Malformations

"Prenatal exposure to pesticides and the risk of male genital malformations: a scoping review." — Reproductive toxicology (Elmsford, N.Y.), 2026

April 2, 2026by AI Curated

What they found

This review of 117 articles found suggestive evidence linking prenatal pesticide exposure to male genital malformations like hypospadias and undescended testis (UDT). Increased risks were associated with maternal occupational or residential exposure in agricultural settings.

What they studied

Researchers conducted a scoping review of human studies and reviews from 2003-2024, identifying research gaps and mapping evidence on prenatal pesticide exposure and male genital malformations.

Takeaways

The review highlights the importance of minimizing pesticide exposure during pregnancy. While the abstract focuses on findings, it suggests a precautionary approach.

About this paper

This scoping review included 117 articles, comprising case-control studies, population-based/cohort studies, meta-analyses, and other reviews. It aimed to map evidence and identify research gaps, noting heterogeneity across study designs and scarcity of data on household insecticides like pyrethroids.

cryptorchidismhypospadiaspesticidesprenatal exposureendocrine disruptorsmale healthscoping reviewcurated

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