Fertility Health: The Influence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (or EDC’s) are natural or man-made chemicals that hold potential to interfere with the body’s function of the endocrine system.

These chemicals can mimic, block or interrupt our natural hormonal production and utilisation of such hormones. These substances have cumulative effects in the body, resulting in a variety of adverse health effects including poor fertility outcomes.

Where are endocrine-disrupting chemicals found?

There are many types of EDC’s, below is a brief overview of chemical agents most likely to interfere with hormonal processes with the ability to influence female and male fertility.

• Bisphenols (BPA, BPF & BPS)

  Form of xenoestrogen’s (substance that imitates the activity of oestrogen within the body). Widely used in the production of plastics. Found in food packaging and storage, toys and the lining of some canned foods/drinks.

• Phthalates

  Added to production of numerous products including plastics, food packaging, cosmetics, personal care products. Commonly found labelled as ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’ in body care products.

• Heavy metals

  Found in manufacturing industries, cigarette smoke, amalgam fillings, old lead-based paints, found in higher concentration in certain foods.

• Parabens

  Commonly added to many cosmetic and body care products. Look for the term ‘paraben’ on the end of chemical names, such as ethylparaben.

• Herbicides, pesticides and insecticides

  Chemicals utilised during production of foods which can enter the body via ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Found in non-organic fruit/veg, meat, poultry and soil.

EDC’s and female fertility

A woman eggs develop while she is a foetus, allowing endocrine disruptors to have impact well before puberty has even matured her eggs. Maternal exposure to these chemicals have a dramatic influence on a women’s reproductive health function and fertility, including her success to progress to a live birth outcome.

Such chemicals have proven to impact menstrual cycle lengths, reduce fertilisation and implantation rates. More specifically these EDC’s may result in poor quality of embryo health, decreased oocyte numbers, early pregnancy loss, foetal growth restriction and increased risk of pre-term delivery.

The length of time it takes a couple to conceive is commonly increased with exposure to these EDC’s and the health of the developing baby can also be influenced by such chemicals.

EDC’s and male fertility

In males, EDC exposure has been shown to affect fertility from multiple aspects. Studies demonstrate that these substances may affect testosterone levels, impact sperm production, sperm concentration and morphology (size and shape of sperm), reduce sperm count and increase DNA fragmentation of sperm (a measure for sperm DNA damage).

EDC’s can have physical influences on the male reproductive tract including inflammation and potential infection of the urethra, prostate, epididymis (tube that stores and transports sperm) and structural development abnormalities of the penis in a developing foetus.

Even just one of these factors can affect the likelihood for successful fertilisation and live birth outcomes.

Lifestyle choices to reduce your EDC exposure

While eliminating all sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals is unattainable in the modern world, there are strategies you have control of to reduce your levels of exposure.

Food storage

• Swap plastic drinkers and containers to glass, 100% stainless steel or ceramic

• Avoid storing and heating food in plastic containers. Use glass containers or ceramic bowls and avoid covering with cling wrap or aluminium foil

• Be cautious of storage labels, even ‘BPA free’ containers can contain similar harmful bisphenol plastics such as BPF and BPS

• If eating takeaway, do not store the food in their provided containers. Transfer and store in your own glass containers/ceramic dishes as soon as possible

Produce and consumables

• Produce - choose organically grown fruit, veg, meats and eggs where possible. Refer to the ‘Clean 15 and dirty dozen’ when choosing which fruit/veg to prioritize for organically grown

• Always wash fruit and vegetables prior to consumption

• Reduce consumption of canned and pre-packaged foods

• Use a good quality water filter that removes heavy metals and microplastics

Household and body care

• Avoid utilizing non-stick cookware and prioritise stainless steel, ceramic and cast iron

• Use wooden or 100% stainless-steel cooking utensils instead of plastic

• Cease using deodorants containing aluminium or aluminium salts

• Do not use synthetic fragrances, perfumes, air fresheners, body products

• Use cotton/bamboo underwear and prioritise clothing made from natural fibres

• Use unbleached, 100% organic cotton tampons, pads/liners or menstrual cups made from 100% medical grade silicone. Period care products should be free from chemicals, bleach, dye and fragrances

• Avoid the use of products containing the terms ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. These are typically phthalates and not natural based scents. Reach for scented products made from pure essential oils

Combined with the awareness of endocrine disrupting chemicals and the knowledge to reduce exposure to sources, we hold the power to dramatically minimise the impact of these substances on fertility health and birth outcomes.