Health reports signpost the chemical threat to fertility. They’re  in our food and favourite products, so what can we do to minimise the risk?
Chemical threat to fertility
Beyond fertility, chemicals pose a threat to unborn babies, newborns, children, teens – now and for future generations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ issued a stark and lengthy statement. ‘An important outcome of pregnancy is no longer just a healthy newborn but being healthy from birth to old age.’
 ‘Prenatal exposure to certain chemicals has been shown to increase the risk of cancer in childhood. Adult male exposure to pesticides is linked to altered semen quality, sterility and prostate cancer. Postnatal exposure to some chemicals interfere with development of the reproductive system in adult females including Puberty, Menstruation, Ovulation, Fertility, Fecundity and Menopause. Reducing exposure to toxic chemicals is a critical area of intervention for reproductive healthcare professionals.’
There you have it. Chemicals affect fertility in women and men – Â damaging reproductive organs and disrupting fertility hormones.
Time to end your chemical romance
We all love our favourite lotions and potions! How many dangerous chemicals are you exposed to before you rush out the door each morning? Check your bathroom cabinet. Washing and colouring products, deodorants, make-up and perfumes all have a chemical load – as do fake tan and sunscreen. Remember hair care products beyond shampoos – colours, styling, straightening and fixing products. Nail polishes and remover count, too. How many harmful chemicals do you apply or ingest in a day? Could be more than you think.
Do you have mercury fillings?
What processed or carry-out food make up your meals?
Have you changed from ubiquitous plastic water bottles?
Do you breathe in petrol fumes at the filling station?
What about DIY, paint, crafting, glue and gardening products in the garage?
The good news is that you can limit your uptake of unhealthy substances by eating organic foods which mop up the nasties.  As one doctor put it – ‘When diets change from  conventional to organic, the levels of pesticides in the body decrease.’ This has a profound effect on men’s fertility, too.
Ready for a baby, struggling to conceive or recovering from miscarriage? It’s time to clean up your act and get chemical savvy.
What can you do?
Discover real food, freshly prepared. In a box or bag with a serving suggestion picture? Chances are it’s full of harmful chemicals.
A new study, led by Dr. Jorge Chavarro at the Harvard School of Public Health, revealed soy may help ‘mop up’ the effects of BPA. Women who had lots of soy in their diet had better IVF success rates than those who avoided it.
Check out natural organic cosmetics – Â lots of great companies to choose from …
Get a report on your favorite products here at the Environmental Working Group
What are your favourite ‘kind’ products?
