TABLE OF CONTENTS The term "reproductive toxicity" is defined as any adverse effect on any aspect of male or female sexual function or fertility, or on the developing embryo or foetus, or postnatally, which would interfere with the production or development of a normal offspring which can be reared to sexual maturity, capable in turn of reproducing the species. This is a very wide definition and includes various types of toxicity that are often considered separately. The two main subdivisions of reproductive toxicity are (i) sexual function and fertility in males and females and (ii) developmental toxicity to the embryo and foetus. "Sexual function and fertility" refers to effects on the male and female sexual behaviour and gonads. This includes any effects on spermatogenesis or oogenesis through puberty to conception and on development of the fertilised ovum up to the stage of implantation in the uterine wall. "Developmental toxicity" includes adverse effects on embryofoetal development from the stage of implantation through parturition and postnatal development up to the stage of puberty. Examples include reduced intrauterine embryofoetal growth and developmental retardation, organ toxicity, death, abortion, structural (teratogenic) defects resulting in congenital malformations, and functional defects such as impaired postnatal mental or physical development. It may also include adverse effects on lactation that could interfere with normal postnatal development, either by altering the quality or quantity of milk produced, or by passage of chemicals into the milk to affect neonatal development.
Various other terms are used which have specific meanings.
