The Surprising Threat to Women's Fertility

By Lisa Collier Cool Aug 21, 2013 19 Recommend

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Exposure to phthalatesfound in plastics and many cosmeticsmay make it harder for women to get pregnant, according to a new Harvard study presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. The researchers checked 231 women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) for phthalates exposure by testing their urine for metabolites (byproducts) of four common phthalates. The chemicalscollectively known as endocrine disrupterswere detected in almost all of the women, signaling widespread exposure. The CDC reports that women typically have higher levels of phthalates found in body washes, shampoos, soaps, and other personal care products, compared to men. In fact, the average woman puts 515 chemicals on her body every day, through grooming and makeup, the Daily Mail recently reported.

Harmful Effects on Both Male and Female Fertility

The Harvard study reported that: Women with the highest exposure to a phthalate found in vinyl plastic were twice as likely to suffer implantation failurean early form of miscarriage in which the embryo doesnt attach to the uterusthan those with the lowest exposure. The higher the womans exposure to phthalates, the fewer eggs (oocytes) she produced. This finding suggests that the chemicals may impair ovarian function. In earlier studies of men, these hormone-disrupting chemicals have been linked to reductions in sperm quantity and quality, but the new study suggests they may also have adverse effects on womens reproductive health, says Sara Gottfried, MD, a Harvard-trained ob/gyn not involved in the study.

Because the new study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, the findings are considered preliminary. 5 Hidden Dangers In Your Home

Phthalates Act Like Fake Estrogen

These chemicals act as endocrine disrupters on estrogen receptors, says Dr. Gottfried, author of The Hormone Cure and founder of the Gottfried Center for Integrative Medicine. Basically, they act like fake estrogen. However, adds Dr. Gottfried, Its a very toxic mimic that disrupts the delicate hormonal tango between estrogen and progesterone that normally leads to fertility in women. This study suggests that phthalate exposure is associated with frightening drops in egg implantation and production. In earlier studies of women, phthalates have been linked to increased risk for infertility, miscarriage, and endometriosis (a painful disorder in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in other parts of the pelvis). Because phthalates chemical structure is so similar to estrogen, our bodies readily absorb these toxins only to experience drops in fertilityand endocrine disruptionwhen the body cant process these toxins as it would natural estrogen, notes Dr. Gottfried. BPA: How to Avoid This Dangerous Chemical

How to Avoid Phthalates

These chemicals are found in many plastic products, from food storage containers to kids toys, plastic water pipes, some foods, and many personal care products that contain fragrances. To reduce your exposure, Dr. Gottfried recommends these steps: Look at the recycling number on plastic products. Those with the recycling codes 3 or 4 are far more likely to contain endocrine-disrupting DPA or

phthalates. Never heat food in plastic containers or wraps. Its also smart to avoid storing food in plasticuse glass, ceramic or metal containers instead. Avoid products that list fragrance in their ingredients, which include baby care products and air fresheners. Its fine to use natural air fresheners. Be wary of plastic toys manufactured before 2009, the year when laws were passed to ban phthalates in childrens products. Consider buying organic food, which is free of phthalates that are found in some pesticides.