From the Guidelines
Exposure to phthalates and BPA, commonly found in plastics, has been linked to infertility in both men and women, as these toxins can disrupt hormone function and damage reproductive cells 1. To reduce the risk of infertility associated with toxin exposure, it is essential to minimize contact with environmental toxins. Some key strategies include:
- Using glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic to reduce exposure to BPA and phthalates
- Choosing organic foods when possible to limit exposure to pesticides and industrial chemicals
- Filtering drinking water to remove heavy metals and other pollutants
- Avoiding tobacco smoke and limiting alcohol consumption to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation
- Reducing contact with household chemicals, such as those found in cleaning products and personal care items Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, stress management, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can also help counteract some toxic effects. If concerned about toxin exposure affecting fertility, consulting with a reproductive endocrinologist who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend appropriate testing or treatments is crucial. The body can naturally eliminate many toxins over time, so reducing exposure now may improve fertility outcomes in the future. Additionally, fertility preservation techniques, such as sperm banking or oocyte cryopreservation, may be considered for individuals who have been exposed to gonadotoxic therapies or have a history of toxin exposure 1.
From the Research
Toxins Causing Infertility
Toxins that can cause infertility include:
- Heavy metals such as lead, silver, cadmium, uranium, vanadium, and mercury 2, 3, 4
- Metalloids like arsenic 2, 3
- Endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, bisphenol, dioxins, and pesticides 5, 6
- Organophosphate esters 5
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 5
- Aromatic amines 5
- Pesticides and herbicides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dibromochloropropane (DBCP), organophosphates, and atrazine 5
Mechanisms of Toxicity
The mechanisms by which these toxins cause infertility include:
- Disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis 5
- Impairment of spermatogenesis 5
- Ion mimicry, disruption of cell signaling pathways, oxidative stress, altered gene expression, epigenetic regulation of gene expression, apoptosis, disruption of testis/blood barrier, inflammation, and endocrine disruption 4
- Alteration of oocyte maturation, competency, anovulation, and uterine disorders 6
Exposure Routes
Exposure to these toxins can occur through: