Men- Think twice about plastics when trying to have children

A recent study from NIH presented at American Society of Reproductive Meeting in Boston 10/14 further emphasizes effects that environmental chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) can have on couples. BPA, which can disrupt the body’s natural hormones by mimicking estradiol, is found in certain plastics (bottles) and epoxy resins (lining of metal cans). Concentrations of certain phthalate metabolites in males (but not females) were associated with longer time to pregnancy with partners (20% reduction in fecundity). More study is needed going forward, but men should think twice about environmental toxins when trying with their partner to have children.