Intergenerational effects—causation or confounding?

Intergenerational effects—causation or confounding?
One can get a glimpse into the early origins of long-term reproductive health by assessing pubertal onset. Studies of pubertal development not only provide insight into reproductive health but may also have broader implications. Reproductive health outcomes and infertility in both men and women have come to be recognized as a window into the overall health of an individual—shedding light on risk for later chronic health outcomes. For example, semen quality in men is predictive of mortality and general health, and gynecologic conditions in women have been linked to metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Source: fertstert.org