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Substances in our common household products could have an effect on female hormones and delay or decrease your chances of getting pregnant, according to a new study.
Did you know ? In France, 10% of couples remain infertile after two years of attempts. If 25% of the causes of infertility are unexplained, certain reasons are also mentioned: age, lifestyle or genetics. Exposure to pollutants or endocrine disruptors can also impact fertility. A new study confirms it: phthalates contained in our household products could well reduce your chances of getting pregnant.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
More phthalates mean less estradiols
The study carried out in the United States by researchers from the University of Massacusetts Amherst sought to demonstrate the toxic role of phthalates in reproduction. The scientists analyzed data from 1,228 participants across six menstrual cycles, when they were trying to get pregnant. Those who succeeded were followed throughout their pregnancy.
The body breaks down phthalates into metabolites which are excreted in urine, so these could be analyzed. Researchers measured 20 phthalate metabolites in urine samples collected when participants enrolled in the study. They were thus able to establish correspondences between the rates and the fertility result.
“We found that three compounds appear to be most strongly associated with taking longer to get pregnant,” explained Carrie Nobles, professor of environmental health sciences and author of the study, in a press release. “As exposure increased, we saw more and more effects.”
Thus, women who had higher levels of phthalates had lower estradiol levels and higher follicle-stimulating hormones throughout the menstrual cycle, which plays an important role in ovulation and early onset. of a pregnancy.
The researchers also looked at a marker of inflammation, C-reactive protein, and found that women who had higher levels of phthalate exposure also had higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, which which can lead to organ and tissue damage and ultimately disease.
Phthalates, present in many everyday products
“Phthalates are ubiquitous endocrine disruptors and we are exposed to them daily., explains Carrie Nobles. This is because phthalates are found in common products like shampoo, makeup, vinyl flooring, toys and medical devices.
People are exposed primarily by ingesting foods and liquids that have come into contact with products containing chemicals. However, it remains difficult to get rid of it, even when you want to put all the chances on your side to conceive. One can check consumer product labels and look for phthalate-free options, but the ubiquitous nature of chemicals makes it difficult for an individual to control their exposure.
Fortunately in Europe, some phthalates are banned or severely restricted in their use. This still needs to be really applied: according to a report revealed by the newspaper The world on December 13, 18% of consumer items inspected by the European Chemicals Agency (Echa) did not comply with European standards.