Fragrances' Impact: Low Sperm Count And Male Fertility

Fragrances are found in a variety of products, from perfumes to shampoos and air fresheners. Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates, chemicals that make plastic more flexible and fragrances last longer. Phthalates are absorbed through the skin and have been linked to decreased sperm count in men, along with other issues such as developmental defects and interference with hormone production.

The term fragrance or parfum on a product label can be a broad label used to define a host of different ingredients that do not need to be itemized. This makes it difficult for consumers to know exactly what chemicals they are being exposed to.

In addition to phthalates, other chemicals found in fragrances, such as parabens and BHT, can also have negative impacts on reproductive health. These chemicals can interfere with the delicate hormone balance in the body, leading to issues with fertility and pregnancy.

The impact of fragrances on low sperm count is a growing area of research, and it is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks associated with exposure to certain chemicals in fragranced products.

Phthalates, a common ingredient in fragrances, can lower sperm count

Phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible and fragrances last longer. They are absorbed through the skin and have been known to interfere with hormone production, decrease sperm count, and cause developmental defects.

The European Union classifies Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), a type of phthalate, as toxic to the reproductive system. DBP may cause harm to unborn children and impair fertility. Another type of phthalate, Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), is suspected of interfering with hormone function, causing reproductive and developmental problems, and is linked to early puberty in girls.

Phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with the body's hormonal system. EDCs have been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity in men, menstrual cycle irregularities, and reduced fertility in women.

High concentrations of phthalates in couples undergoing IVF treatment have been associated with an increased risk of failed IVF and miscarriage. Men's ability to create sperm is disrupted, which can lead to a reduced sperm count. These chemicals can also alter sperm genes related to growth and development, impacting the early development of a baby.

To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to avoid products with added fragrances and to opt for natural fragrances derived from organic sources or products with certifications that do not permit the use of synthetic fragrances.

Fragrances can contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

EDCs can act as “hormone mimics," tricking the body into thinking they are hormones, or they can block natural hormones from doing their job. They can also increase or decrease hormone levels in the blood by affecting how they are made, broken down, or stored. This disruption to the body's hormones has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including alterations in sperm quality and fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, endometriosis, early puberty, altered nervous system function, immune function, certain cancers, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.

A study conducted by Tegengif, Kom op tegen Kanker and Kemi found that 18 out of 20 perfumes contained one or more suspected EDCs. These chemicals were not mentioned on the label, preventing consumers from making informed decisions about their health. Common chemicals hidden in fragrances include phthalates, BHT, oxynols, and parabens. These chemicals may disrupt the delicate hormone balance, particularly affecting those trying to conceive or who are currently pregnant.

The impact of EDCs on fertility includes menstrual cycle irregularities, higher miscarriage rates, lower fertilization and embryo implantation rates, and a decreased number of high-quality embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies. Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity in men and reduced fertility in women, with possible links to PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids. Therefore, reducing exposure to fragrances containing EDCs may be beneficial for those trying to conceive and improve their chances of a successful pregnancy.

EDCs can cause hormonal imbalances

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with the body's hormonal system. EDCs are found in many everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, fragrances, cosmetics, and even receipt paper.

• Insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome
• Irregular or painful periods
• Monthly breast tenderness and lumps
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Breast or uterine cancer
• Diabetes
• Birth defects
• Increased risk of being overweight
• Hormonal problems

In addition, EDCs have been linked to multiple reproductive health issues, including:

• Menstrual cycle irregularities (disrupted steroidogenesis or hormone production)
• Higher miscarriage rates
• Lower fertilization and embryo implantation rates
• Decreased number of high-quality embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy
• Decreased sperm quality and quantity in men
• Menstrual cycle irregularities in women
• Reduced fertility in women with possible links to PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids

The impact of EDCs on fertility is a growing concern, as exposure to these chemicals can lead to hormonal imbalances and disrupt the natural hormone messages sent between cells in the body. This can affect both men and women, impacting their ability to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

EDCs can cause thyroid dysfunction

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in many everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, fragrances and cosmetics. EDCs interfere with the body's hormonal system, and exposure to them has been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity in men.

EDCs can also impact the thyroid gland, which plays a role in several bodily functions. The thyroid is critical in producing hormones, and disruptions to it can have far-reaching consequences.

How EDCs Affect the Thyroid

EDCs can impair the production, synthesis, metabolism, transport, and actions of thyroid hormones. They can interfere with the process by which hormones are released into the bloodstream and transported to the tissues in the body. EDCs can also bind to hormone receptors, blocking the body's natural hormones from doing their job.

Health Implications

The disruption of thyroid function by EDCs can have a range of health implications, including:

• Changes to thyroid lab tests
• Changes in how thyroid hormones work at the cellular level
• Alterations in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in pregnant women, newborns, and children
• Increased risk of thyroid cancer
• Negative effects on fetal development and maturation
• Impact on the central nervous system (CNS)
• Neurobehavioural outcomes such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Reducing Exposure to EDCs

While complete elimination of exposure to EDCs may be challenging, there are several steps that can be taken to reduce exposure:

• Avoid using pesticides
• Wash new clothes, kitchen equipment, and other products before use
• Avoid using air fresheners and hair dye or nail polish
• Limit the consumption of food wrapped in plastic
• Replace non-stick pots and pans when they are damaged
• Drink filtered water
• Store food in glass containers instead of plastic
• Purchase organic foods whenever possible

Parabens, another common ingredient in fragrances, can also impact fertility

Parabens are a common ingredient in fragrances, but they can also be found in cosmetic, skincare, and beauty products, such as shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, face cleanser, sunscreen, deodorant, and toothpaste. Parabens are chemicals like methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. They were created to prevent bacterial spoilage and extend the shelf life of products.

Research shows that parabens have hormone-disrupting activity, which may affect fertility health or even impact cancer risk. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds parabens to be xenoestrogens, which mimic the activity of reproductive hormones and interact with hormone receptors in the body. To date, xenoestrogens have been linked to potential fertility issues in men and women, birth defects, and possible reproductive cancers.

The European Commission on Endocrine Disrupters lists parabens as Category 1 substances, known to disrupt endocrine system functions. A recent Harvard School of Public Health study found that propylparaben may be linked to diminished ovarian reserve in women and decreased sperm count in rats.

Additionally, some people may be allergic to parabens in skincare products and experience eczema or a rash from their use. While the research on parabens' connection to fertility and cancer risk is ongoing and not conclusive, the potential risks to fertility health are concerning.

Parabens are fat-soluble xenoestrogens, which are absorbed through the skin, GI tract, and bloodstream, and then excreted through normal elimination. Studies from the Centers for Disease Control found four different types of parabens in human urine samples. It is estimated that women are exposed to at least 50mg of parabens daily from cosmetics alone! Men may be exposed to fewer parabens daily, but they may be less likely to look for products that are paraben-free, which could be a concern for male fertility.

To reduce exposure to parabens, individuals can use platforms like EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to find better alternatives to personal care products. They can also purchase natural body care products, many of which are now paraben-free, or make their own natural body care products using herbal-infused recipes.

Frequently asked questions