The hidden dangers of plastics and painkillers for your sex life

Once considered a “woman’s trouble”, infertility is on the rise in males and semen quality has declined in recent decades.  Shocking right? Well, it is true. A recent study reported a 50–60% reduction in total sperm count between 1973 and 2011 (−2.23 million/year) in men from Western countries [4].

Some of the problem has been attributed to environmental pollutants, especially plastics. Many ecological pollutants act as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)[2]. This means they mimic endogenous steroid hormone activity and interfere with endocrine functions. 

The endocrine system regulates the body’s activities by releasing chemicals called hormones. These hormones such as the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are responsible for stimulating and maintaining sperm and testosterone production in men.  A disruption in the hormonal pathway will affect sperm production and sexual function. They can also affect gonad morphology by increasing cell death or
apoptosis[1]^.

The use of plastics in everyday items and manufacturing processes has resulted in a deluge of slowly degradable materials entering our environment and our food chain [2]^.   

How do these plastics (esp., microplastics) enter our system and ‘disrupt hormonal function? 

Plasticisers (e.g. bisphenol A (BPA)) used in the production of plastics that are used in the production of food and drink packaging, lining of paper cups, bottled water etc. leach into the food or drink and contaminate it when exposed to high temperatures or pHs like direct sunlight, microwave heating or contact with acidic foods.

Once in the body, they disturb its hormonal balance and even change gonadal morphology. 

Painkillers too can affect your reproductive life. Taking just 600mg daily of the common over-the-counter painkiller ibuprofen (e.g. Advil, Motrin) affects male testosterone levels – at least in the short term. Low levels of the male hormone can affect sperm production and sex drive, among other things, potentially reducing the chance of becoming a father[3]^.  

Researchers conducted a study in which thirty-one healthy men, aged 18-35 with no fertility problems, participated in the study with half taking 600mg of ibuprofen daily for 44 days and the rest taking a placebo. Researchers found that exposure to ibuprofen – even at this low dose – reduced the levels of testosterone in the men’s testes after only two weeks [3]. 

 

In pregnant women, use of painkillers could double the risk of miscarriage  

It's essential to avoid plastic packaged foods exposed to direct heat and consult a doctor before taking any medication that may affect your reproductive life. 

        References 

1.   Jewett, Arnott, Connolly, Vasudevan and Kevei., 2022
2. Int J Environ Res Public Health.., 2021 Mar
3. arc fertility.com
4. Garcia-Grau, E.; Lleberia, J.; Costa, L.; Guitart, M.; Yeste, M.; Benet, J.; Amengual, M.J.; Ribas-Maynou, J. Decline of Sperm Quality over the Last Two Decades in the South of Europe: A Retrospective Study in Infertile Patients. Biology 2023, 12, 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12010070