Working in fertility, I am deeply concerned about the potential impact of forever chemicals on female fertility. These chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are synthetic compounds that are found in a wide range of products, from food packaging to non-stick cookware. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down in the environment and can persist in our bodies for years.
Recently, The Guardian published an article highlighting the potential link between PFAS exposure and female infertility.
Those with higher levels of PFAS in their blood
had a 40% lower chance of conceiving within a year of trying.
The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, included more than 1,000 women of child-bearing age in Singapore who were trying to conceive. It found a range of PFAS levels in the women’s blood and assessed the chemicals’ impact at each quarter between the lowest and highest exposure level. Those women with PFAS mixture levels one quarter higher than the average had a 40% lower likelihood of becoming pregnant within a year. These women also had a 34% lower chance of having a live birth within 12 months.
It was noted that “Many PFAS have been detected in cord blood, the placenta, and breast milk. Preventing exposure to PFAS is therefore essential to protect women’s health as well as the health of their children”.
While the study does not prove a causal link between PFAS exposure and infertility, it does provide strong evidence that there may be an association. PFAS have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance and may interfere with ovarian function, both of which could contribute to infertility.
Furthermore, PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of other adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and cancer. Given the widespread use of these chemicals in consumer products and their persistence in the environment, it is essential that we take action to limit our exposure.
So, what can you do to protect yourself from PFAS exposure and potentially reduce your risk of infertility? Here are some tips:
Choose products without PFAS. Look for products that are labeled as PFAS-free or that use alternative materials, such as stainless steel or cast iron cookware.
Avoid non-stick cookware. Non-stick cookware is a common source of PFAS exposure. Consider using alternative cookware, such as ceramic or glass.
Filter your water. PFAS can be found in drinking water, so consider installing a water filter that is certified to remove these chemicals. I personally like the Berkey water filter.
Be cautious with food packaging. PFAS are commonly used in food packaging, such as microwave popcorn bags and fast food wrappers. Try to avoid these products when possible, or transfer food to a different container before heating.
Lastly, consider cleansing your liver, reproductive organs, and kidneys as much as possible before conceiving. If you haven’t already, check out my 4 week pre-pregnancy cleanse program, The FertiliTox Method.
By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce your exposure to PFAS and potentially lower your risk of infertility and other adverse health effects. As more research is conducted on the potential impacts of forever chemicals, it is essential that we take action to protect ourselves and our future generations.
Resources:
Adam Vaughan. (2023, April 6). 'Forever chemicals' linked to infertility in women, finds study. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/06/forever-chemicals-infertility-women-pfas-blood
Mattei, F., Johnson, C., & Tang, L. (2020). Association of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with reproductive health outcomes: a systematic review of the epidemiologic evidence. Environment international, 143, 105820. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105820
Parks, L. (2022, March 21). Forever chemicals linked to female infertility in new study. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/mar/21/forever-chemicals-linked-to-female-infertility-in-new-study
