We all know how obesity, maternal age, lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and environment play a crucial role in fertility. But not many know that we Indians use so many products in our household, which are impacting our ability to become parents.
We use so many everyday products that harm fertility, and we don’t even know that. It includes soap, handwash, utensils, food containers, plastic bags, etc. Let’s understand endocrine disruptors in Indian households, which are impacting fertility.
A chemical, either natural or substance-based, that mimics, alters, or blocks the body’s hormones and prevents them from functioning as they should. It can be anything, polythene, plastic containers, toys, makeup products, etc. This doesn’t stop here; there is a wide variety that influences your fertility.
Let’s know these one by one, understand them properly, to protect the body from being hit by chemicals. Aveya Fertility Centre, what people need to know, and how they can possibly protect themselves from the use of everyday products that harm fertility.
Although DDT is banned for domestic and agricultural purposes, there are several products that contain this chemical. DDT is one of the estrogen action disruptors, as it can mimic and block the action of the hormone. By impacting the steroidogenic enzyme, it converts androgen into estrogen, which spikes the level of hormones, causing an imbalance in reproductive organs.
Cold drinks have a high amount of pesticide residue, which includes lindane, malathion, chlorpyrifos, and DDT. Meat, fish, poultry, and dairy products contain DDT, which is why doctors recommend always checking the expiry date or whether or not the product is contaminated.
It can alter the cell membrane of the follicle and oocytes, maturation, and development of granulosa cells. These decrease ovarian reserve, increase the risk of miscarriage, cause issues with the menstrual cycle, and can also impair implantation.
In men, it interferes with the HPT axis, disturbs spermatogenesis, lowers sperm count, increases abnormal sperm morphology, impairs sexual health, and also causes issues with the development of the testes.
TCS or triclosan is an anti-microbial, and after several studies, it is considered an endocrine-disrupting chemical, as it also decreases certain thyroid hormones.
Compounds that are mainly added to deodorants, bodywash, soaps, cosmetic products, and toothpaste, as this inhibits the growth of fungi, bacteria, and mildew.
In men, TCS impacts reproductive function by binding with androgen receptors and disrupting testicular steroidogenesis, a crucial process for hormone production, as per NIH.
It inhibits the production of testosterone by impacting the pathways that lead to Leydig cells of the testicles, reducing spermatogenesis, and degrading the quality of sperm. It can also bind with androgen receptors, which prevents the natural binding of testosterone, and all because of the disturbance in the endocrine system.
While in females, triclosan disturbs the sensitive balance of hormones as it is similar to estrogen. That’s why the body allows it to activate estrogen receptors and increases its production. Antral follicle count (AFC) is a crucial marker of ovarian reserve and fertility, but TCS can reduce AFC. Complications like spontaneous abortion, fetal development, etc., can be caused by this.
This chemical contains carbon-fluorine bonds, which give more durability to the products.
While using them in day-to-day life, the particles of PFAS can be spread across the house, and can be contained through the air or dust. This disrupts the natural mechanism of fertility by creating issues with normal hormonal function and impacts multiple pathways, like the regulation of hormones, which is crucial for reproductive development. BPA is also linked with diabetes.
Non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets or fabrics, fire-fighting, paint, cosmetics, and even in food packaging- this chemical can be found.
Even some studies mentioned that skin contact with this chemical can have a significant impact on fertility. Experts revealed that men or women who are exposed to this chemical have decreased chances of conceiving by 40%.
In men, it alters DNA methylation, sperm functionality, and reduces the level of testosterone, and due to changes in sperm DNA, it can impact multiple generations.
PFAS disrupts ovarian functions, increases complications like neurodevelopmental delay and preeclampsia. Women are more likely to come in contact with this because of the household chores, which is why it prominently impacts women more than men.
First, make sure to start using steel-based storage containers. These are way better than
Plastic storage containers. Steels are made of non-reactive materials that do not leave any toxic chemicals in food, and most importantly, not even in high temperatures. When it comes to plastic, it degrades over time and starts releasing microplastics into the food. Several studies have supported the fact that these particles can harm the reproductive organs of both men and women.
Phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) are also found in personal care products like cosmetics, lotions, and other items. Food packed in plastic packages; thermal receipt paper is also the one which have these chemicals. Phthalates like DEP are found in Agarbatti or Dhoop, which is mainly used while praying or worshiping god in India.
It impacts the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, disrupts ovarian function, impacts steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, and also increases the risk of PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
These chemicals are linked with decreased sperm count and sperm motility, affect the testicles’ ability to produce hormones, and can induce oxidative stress in reproductive tissues.
In everyday routine, we use several products consciously and unconsciously use the product which have ability to put a lot of impact on our health. We are aware of plastic products, but there are some we don’t even know. The lotions we use, food made in utensils, have a direct and indirect impact. It is not like we can completely restrict them, but at least we can start minimizing their use. Before purchasing lotion, soaps, or food items, make sure to check the ingredients written on the package.
Perhaps it is best to talk to an expert. Aveya Fertility Centre can help you know about the common endocrine disruptors in Indian households, which can impact fertility. Their guidance and support can even help you if you are dealing with reproductive-related health complications.