A recent study conducted by a reproductive epidemiologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has linked exposure to phthalates, a group of chemicals commonly found in household products, to a lower probability of getting pregnant.
However, the study did not find a direct link between phthalate exposure and pregnancy loss.
Published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, the research also highlighted associations between preconception exposure to phthalates and changes in women’s reproductive hormones, increased inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Understanding Phthalates: Phthalates are ubiquitous chemicals known to disrupt the endocrine system, and they are commonly found in various household products such as shampoo, makeup, vinyl flooring, toys, and medical devices.
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people are primarily exposed to phthalates by ingesting food and liquids that have come into contact with products containing these chemicals.
Lead author Carrie Nobles, an environmental health sciences assistant professor, and her team conducted their research using data from the “Effects of Aspirin in Gestation and Reproduction” (EAGeR) study.
It is a preconception time-to-pregnancy investigation that also evaluated the effects of low-dose aspirin on live-birth rates.
The study involved 1,228 participants, and researchers collected detailed information during six menstrual cycles when the women were attempting to become pregnant. Those who became pregnant were followed throughout their pregnancies.
Key Findings:
The study found that preconception exposure to phthalates was linked to a longer time taken to achieve pregnancy. While three parent compounds showed the strongest associations, an overall trend of delayed pregnancy was observed with increased exposure to various phthalates.
Women with higher phthalate exposure levels also exhibited elevated levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. These factors can damage organ and tissue and contribute to various health conditions.
Women with higher phthalate exposure had lower levels of estradiol and higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone throughout their menstrual cycles. These hormones play critical roles in ovulation and early pregnancy development.
The observed hormonal profile resembled that seen in women with ovarian insufficiency, which can result from age or other factors and may lead to impaired ovulation.
The study highlights that phthalate exposure can negatively impact women’s reproductive health, potentially leading to delays in conception.
While individuals can seek out phthalate-free products, the widespread use of these chemicals makes it challenging to control exposure entirely.
Europe has restricted certain phthalates, but the United States lacks formal prohibitions.
The findings suggest reconsidering regulatory approaches and identifying important exposures that can affect pregnancy and overall reproductive health.
In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of further research on phthalate exposure and its potential effects on reproductive health. It also emphasizes the role of evidence-based findings in shaping policies related to chemical exposure and its impact on fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
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The research findings can be found in Environmental Health Perspectives.
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