New York Times science journalist, Deborah Blum, in her Poison Pen column, warns that men’s fertility is affected by chemicals – even more than their partner.

A major offender is Phthalates … pronounced ‘THAL-ates.’

‘A growing body of work over the last two decades suggests that Phthalates or ‘Hormone Disruptors,’  can rewire the male reproductive system. This interferes with testosterone, key player in male development and sperm production,’ says Blum.

Changes in testicular development and reduced sperm quality are linked to phthalate exposure. Phthalates disrupt the reproductive system by mimicking female hormones, making it harder for couples to conceive. For the record, smaller balls are associated with male feminization and weight gain.

20 Years Research

Way back in the 1990’s researchers first floated the theory of a connection between chemical exposure, shrinking ball size and failing sperm quality in men on both sides of the Atlantic.  The concern being high levels of phthalates and levels of DNA damage in sperm.

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are a group of chemicals with a lot of applications. From plastics – making them flexible as in shower curtains and handbags – to stabilizing color and scent in cosmetics, and allowing them  to ‘glide smoothly onto the skin.’

In hospitals phthalates pervade IV tubing and ubiquituous disposable equipment.

Who doesn’t love a car valet and that special ‘new car’ smell of clean freshness? That’s all down to phthalates, so is it worth the gonad-shrinking, fertility fall-out?

How can you safeguard men’s fertility?

Phthalates are excreted quickly from the body and they don’t build up in the system. Other fertility compromising chemicals  like lead and cadmium, lodge in body tissue. It pays to reduce your exposure any way you can.

• Avoid products containing PVC, ‘V’ or a number ‘3’ recycling code, or that have that characteristic  plastic smell.
• Stop microwave-reheating food in plastic containers, using cling film, and drinking from plastic water bottles.
• Label checking is no longer the preserve of the eco-warrior.  The names used on labels give an indication of what lurks within but can prove obtuse. As a simple guideline the word ‘fragrance‘ is ominous, so to are initials like DIDP, DBP, DEP, DINP  … usually in microscopic print!
• Give your bathroom products, cosmetic must-haves and ‘under the sink’ household cleaners a toxicity check.

Get your free tox rating for toothpastes, shampoos, cosmetics and nail polishes, perfumes and aftershaves, cans and plastic bottles, paints and garden products from http://www.ewg.org.

Companies like wwwecover.com offer a range of effective  range of house cleaning products.

Discover the power of vinegar as a surprisingly effective household cleaner!

Can you share any tips for reducing harmful chemicals to boost natural fertility?