# Exploring the Impact of Nickel Exposure on Female Fertility

## TL;DR

This study investigates the relationship between nickel exposure and female fertility using data from 7,839 women but finds no significant link.

## Contribution

The study provides new empirical evidence on nickel's lack of significant association with fertility when controlling for age, BMI, and race.

## Key findings

- Nickel exposure was not significantly associated with fertility status.
- Age was the only significant predictor of fertility in the regression model.
- Non-Hispanic White women were more prevalent in the fertile group, while Mexican American women were more prevalent in the infertile group.

## Abstract

Introduction

Infertility affects an estimated 186 million individuals globally and is associated with numerous mental health issues. Trace elements are essential for reproductive health, yet the role of nickel in female fertility is not well understood. Previous research has shown conflicting evidence regarding nickel's impact on ovarian function and its potential to disrupt reproductive processes.

Methods

We utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) focusing on a cohort of 7,839 women, with an emphasis on 1,404 women aged 18 to 35. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between urinary nickel levels and fertility status, controlling for age, BMI, and race/ethnicity.

Results

The fertility analysis included 880 fertile and 106 infertile women, identifying age as a significant predictor of fertility status. Nickel exposure did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with fertility. The racial distribution within the groups showed a higher proportion of non-Hispanic White women in the fertile category and Mexican American women in the infertile group, although race was not a significant predictor in the regression model.

Conclusions

We found no significant relationship between nickel exposure and fertility status when adjusted for race, BMI, and age. Age was the only significant factor associated with fertility. These results highlight the complexity of the interplay between environmental exposures and reproductive health, suggesting that further research is necessary to elucidate the role of nickel and other trace elements in fertility.