Does environmental chemical exposure negatively affect fertility?

This review article looked at studies of environmental contaminants and their effects on fertility. It found that male and female fertility is negatively affected by several environmental chemicals and pollutants.

People are exposed to a variety of environmental contaminants in daily life. For example, 99% of urine samples contain phthalates. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are found in plastics. Phthalates, parabens, and triclosan are found in soap and cosmetics. Food and water can contain pesticides, fracking chemicals, dioxin, and other contaminants. Additionally, air pollution is an issue. These environmental contaminants may have an effect on fertility.

This study reviewed the most common environmental chemical and pollutants and their effect on fertility.

Some studies have found that BPA levels are associated with low sperm quality. In women, BPA levels were associated with anovulation (lack of ovulation) and infertility. They are also linked with miscarriage and preterm birth. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and with endometriosis had significantly higher levels of BPA.

In men, phthalate levels were significantly associated with infertility and lower sperm quality. In women, some phthalates were associated with infertility, miscarriage, and preterm birth. Some studies found women undergoing IVF who had high phthalate levels had a lower probability of live birth.

Air pollution was also associated with low sperm quality. Traffic workers exposed to high air pollution had more DNA damage in their sperm. In pregnant women, air pollution exposure was associated with miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.

Dioxins (combustion by-products) were associated with male infertility and abnormal sperm. Pesticides were associated with lower sperm quality and abnormal DNA. In women, pesticides were associated with infertility and miscarriage. They are also associated with preeclampsia and preterm birth. Pesticides were associated with reproductive disorders including PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids.

Fracking chemical exposure is associated with low sperm quality and DNA damage. In women, it was associated with lower fertility, miscarriage, and preterm birth.

No effect of triclosan was found on male fertility. However, it may be associated with lower fertility in women. Parabens may be associated with worse IVF outcomes.

This review found that BPA, phthalates, air pollution, and pesticides negatively impact both male and female fertility.

There are multiple types of phthalates, which have different effects. Not all studies found negative effects due to chemical exposure.