A “spermpocalypse”, defined by falling sperm counts in men across the globe, is upon us. And it is one of the key driving factors behind the <keyword id="22186484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="fertility-crisis" source="keywords">fertility crisis</keyword> — something that even Tesla CEO Elon Musk has spoken about at length. While exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and plastics have all been blamed, another possible culprit is <keyword id="20260846" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="obesity" source="keywords">obesity</keyword>.<br /><br />Now, a massive study from China adds to the growing body of evidence that links obesity to drop in <keyword id="20687206" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sperm-count" source="keywords">sperm count</keyword>s. The study, led by Dr. Yingxin Li of Sun Yat-sen University, analyses data from over 71,000 men across 50 previous studies. It found a significant association between excess weight and decreased semen quality, a broad measure of <keyword id="20290995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="male-fertility" source="keywords">male fertility</keyword> that includes sperm count, volume, and motility (movement).<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="110327795" title="Plastic testes: Scientists analyse human testicles, find microplastics in every single one of them!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Men classified as obese had noticeably lower <keyword id="22467926" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="semen-volume" source="keywords">semen volume</keyword>, total sperm count, and <keyword id="22467927" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sperm-motility" source="keywords">sperm motility</keyword> compared to those with a healthy weight. Even men who were simply overweight, but not obese, showed a decline in semen volume and motility.<br /><br />While this study doesn't definitively prove that obesity causes lower <keyword id="20943900" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sperm-quality" source="keywords">sperm quality</keyword>, it strongly suggests a connection. Researchers believe numerous factors may be at play, including hormonal imbalances, toxins stored in fatty tissue, and even elevated body temperature.<br /><br />Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact mechanisms is challenging due to the multitude of factors that can influence sperm health, including environmental pollutants, smoking, age, diet, and more. Isolating each element for study requires long-term research with stricter controls. Some limitations of the current data include reliance on self-reported BMI and single semen sample analysis.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="108710829" title="Nearly all countries will struggle to maintain population levels by 2100, thanks to crashing birth rates: IHME" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>However, the research reinforces the interconnectedness of overall health and specific aspects like fertility. Studies have previously shown that <keyword id="19923802" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="weight-loss" source="keywords">weight loss</keyword> through lifestyle changes can improve sperm quality, further supporting this connection.<br /><br />The authors conclude that this research highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to potentially prevent declines in semen quality and improve male fertility. This research serves as a crucial piece of the puzzle for understanding the global decline in sperm counts and offers a potential avenue for future interventions.<br />

Drop in sperm count can be strongly linked to obesity in men, finds Chinese study

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Epidemiologist Shanna Swan studied <keyword id="30850" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="chemical">chemical</keyword> exposure's impact on <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> for two decades.</li><li>Her book "Count Down" uses research to explain how <keyword id="555972" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="plastics">plastics</keyword> and other substances mess with fertility.</li><li>If we don't do something about chemical exposure, it could endanger human life, Swan writes.</li></ul><p>Shanna Swan is obsessed with studying the length between babies' genitals and their anuses.</p><p>That's because Swan is an epidemiologist who's spent two decades researching how our lifestyles and the environments in which we live mess with our hormones and reproductive abilities.</p><p>The distance between a person's genitals and their butthole, also called anogenital distance or AGD, is one of the best indicators of reproductive potential and chemical exposure in the womb, Swan explains in her new book <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Count-Down/Shanna-H-Swan/9781982113667#">"Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race."</a></p><p>As <a href="https://www.insider.com/us-birth-rates-lowest-since-baby-boom-era-pandemic-2021-3">birth rates continue to plummet</a> around the world, a trend that could eventually result in human species endangerment, Swan's book offers insights into why men in Western countries now have half the baby-making potential as their grandparents.</p><p>She also explains what we can do now to avoid altering fetus' reproductive potential in the womb, and to protect our health in a world filled with plastics and chemicals.</p><h2>Solving a worldwide infertility mystery</h2><p>Swan got her start researching how chemicals, contaminated water, and drugs impacted human health.</p><p>So, when she saw a <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/29716905?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents">1992 study</a> that found sperm counts around the world were decreasing at an alarming rate, she pivoted to research whether the paper's author Elisabeth Carlsen was onto something, or if it was bogus.</p><p>Swan set out on a six-month research stint with two colleagues, reviewing all of the studies Carlsen used in her analysis, looking for confounding factors and biases that could've skewed the alarming data.</p><p>Instead, she found that Carlsen's claims held.</p><p>"Not only have I shifted from being dubious to being utterly convinced that a dramatic decline in sperm counts is occurring, I've also discovered that various lifestyle factors and environmental exposures may be acting in tandem or in a cumulative fashion to fuel the decline," Swan wrote in "Count Down."</p><h2>'Babies are now entering the world already contaminated with chemicals'</h2><p>Swan found a lifestyle factors like smoking, using antidepressant medication, lack of exercise, and heightened stress could lower both men and women's reproductive abilities.</p><p>Even more alarming, Swan found invisible chemicals in plastic water bottles, the dust on shelves, and adhesives most humans come into contact with every day could also mess with reproductive health in grownups, children, and unborn babies.</p><p>Phthalates, a type of chemical found in plastic manufacturing parts, are one of the biggest culprits, according to Swan.</p><p>That's because they <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">disrupt how the hormone endocrine is produced</a> in the body. In turn, that disruption can contribute to obesity, lower IQs, premature birth. As Swan found, it can also decrease testosterone production, lower sperm counts, decrease fertility, and contribute to smaller penis size.</p><p>These endocrine disruptors can affect babies as they grow in the womb, if the person carrying them has been exposed to chemicals, according to Swan and <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">other researchers' work.</a> They can also be passed onto babies in breast milk, said Swan.</p><p>"Babies are now entering the world already contaminated with chemicals because of the substances they absorb in the womb," she wrote.</p>

Plummeting sperm counts are threatening the future of human existence, and plastics could be to blame

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Shanna Swan is an epidemiologist who found <keyword id="25943" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="chemicals">chemicals</keyword> are messing the our reproductive abilities.</li><li>In her book "Count Down," Swan offers tips to avoid chemicals in dust, adhesives, and plastics.</li><li>She suggests buying organic produce, using less plastic, and making your own cleaning products.</li></ul><p>Epidemiologist Shanna Swan has spent two decades researching how our lifestyles and environments mess with our hormones and reproductive abilities.</p><p>In her new book <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Count-Down/Shanna-H-Swan/9781982113667#">"Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race,"</a> Swan uses her research to explain how invisible chemicals in dust, adhesives, and plastics are linked to <a href="https://www.insider.com/plummeting-sperm-counts-are-threatening-human-life-plastics-to-blame-2021-3">plummeting sperm counts</a>, smaller penises, and overall diminished reproductive ability in grownups, children, and unborn babies.</p><p>That's because these chemicals <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">disrupt how the hormone endocrine is produced</a> in the body. In turn, that disruption can contribute to obesity, lower IQs, premature birth. As Swan found, it can also decrease testosterone production, lower sperm counts, decrease fertility, and contribute to smaller <keyword id="78622" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="penis">penis</keyword> size.</p><p>These endocrine disruptors can affect babies as they grow in the womb, if the person carrying them has been exposed to chemicals, according to Swan and <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">other researchers' work.</a> They can also be passed onto babies in breast milk, said Swan.</p><p>For our best chance at stopping the fertility-hindering effects of chemicals and plastics, Swan suggested limiting your exposure to these toxins in your day-to-day life.</p><h2>Avoiding chemicals in the modern world </h2><p>Some companies have already pledged to removed phthalates and bispenols from their products. Annie's, for example, said they'll <a href="https://www.insider.com/annies-will-eradicate-chemical-linked-to-infertility-macaroni-cheese-2021-2">take phthalates out of their boxed mac and cheese</a>, a food known to contain the chemical. Amazon, Whole Foods, and Costco have also <a href="https://www.insider.com/annies-will-eradicate-chemical-linked-to-infertility-macaroni-cheese-2021-2">sworn to do this with their foods</a>.</p><p>According to Swan, buying organic produce and antibiotic-free meat, using less plastic in your kitchen, removing dust, and making your own cleaning products so they have fewer harmful chemicals.</p><p>Eating meals at home more often than having restaurant food can also reduce chemical exposure, according to Swan. That's because food packages, and the gloves workers use to handle your food, contain phthalates that transfer into the food and then into your body.</p><p>Still, the FDA has yet to ban or <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates">restrict phthalates in food and cosmetic plants</a>, meaning it's up to <a href="https://www.insider.com/toxic-chemicals-in-your-home-2018-11#phthalates-2">consumers to figure it out</a> for themselves.</p><p>Ultimately, Swan hopes governmental agencies and chemical companies begin to take exposure more seriously, and work to limit or ban these substances to create a safer future for all earthlings.</p><p>"What we really need is for the chemical industry to adopt its own version of the Hippocratic oath - 'first, do no harm,'" Swan writes.</p>

Everyday chemicals are lowering sperm counts and shrinking penises. Here's how to avoid them.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Two new case reports suggest a keto weight loss <keyword id="6358230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="diet">diet</keyword> could benefit <keyword id="6359009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="sperm">sperm</keyword> count and quality in obese men. </li><li>Two patients who lost 20 to 60 pounds on the diet saw dramatic improvements in their sperm samples.</li><li>This is backed by evidence that keto can boost sexual <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword>, but other healthy eating plans like a Mediterranean or DASH diet are also linked to improvements. </li></ul><p>There's new evidence that the high-fat, low carb keto diet might have benefits for reproductive health.</p><p>In new <a href="https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0070/ea0070ep379">case reports</a>, two men with obesity who lost weight on a very low calorie keto diet saw significant improvements in both sperm count and quality, according to research from the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, presented at the <a href="http://ecoico2020.com/">2020 European and International Obesity Congress,</a> </p><p>In the first case, the patient lost nearly 60 pounds in the three-month dieting period, dropping his body fat percentage from 42% to 34%. Subsequently, his sperm quality improved by nearly 100%, based on the percentage of motile sperm in a test sample. His testosterone levels also more than doubled. </p><p>The second case report was of a patient who lost less weight, 20 pounds in three months, dropping from 26% to 21% body fat. His sperm quality also improved, but he saw even more significant benefits to sperm count, with over 100 million more sperm tested in the final sample, an increase of nearly 30%. Interestingly, his testosterone levels decreased slightly.</p><p>These results were based on the dieting plan called Pronokal, a highly-studied commercial weight loss method launched in Spain in 2004, which differs from traditional keto in that it's both low-carb (fewer than 50 grams a day) but also limited to 800 calories a day. </p><p>Two patients is hardly a large enough sample size to draw broader conclusions about keto and sperm count. But <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3329193/">existing evidence</a> supports the notion that low-carb diets could have benefits for sexual health, as increasing fat consumption appears to support healthy sperm levels. </p><p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28399015/">Previous research</a> has also linked higher levels of dietary fat intake to increased testosterone.</p><h2><strong>You may not need a strict diet to improve sexual health</strong></h2><p>One caveat to these findings is that <a href="https://www.insider.com/speed-keto-fasting-short-term-weight-loss-long-term-risk-2020-2">extremely restrictive diets can have side effects</a>, particularly in the long term, and very low calorie diets in particular should only be done with medical supervision.  </p><p>It's also not only the keto diet specifically that's linked to better sperm count, quality, and other measures of fertility. There's evidence healthy dietary changes of any sort can boost sexual health. </p><p>The Mediterranean diet, for instance, has been linked to improvements in erectile dysfunction. In a 2004 study, a healthy diet and exercise program helped improve erectile dysfunction in obese men. </p><p>A <a href="https://www.insider.com/eating-junk-food-could-lower-sperm-count-but-its-reversible-2019-6">2019 study</a> found eating processed foods was linked to poor sperm count, while eating more fish and veggies was linked to better sperm count, which is also related to sex drive and overall sexual function. </p><p>The DASH diet, which limits red meat and full-fat dairy in favor of fruits, veggies and whole grains, is also linked to higher sperm count, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sperm-count-higher-with-heart-healthy-diet-2019-10">according to research</a>. </p><p>That suggests that the benefits may be less related to any one dietary pattern, such as keto, and more about improvements to overall health that affect every area of the body. </p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/eating-junk-food-could-lower-sperm-count-but-its-reversible-2019-6">There's now evidence that junk food like pizza and chips could reduce your sperm count, but eating fish and veggies may improve it</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-vegan-diet-improve-erections-sexual-health-2019-10">A vegan diet can boost erections, according to a new Netflix documentary. Here's the reality.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/low-carb-diet-more-effective-for-weight-loss-cutting-calories-2020-9">Going on a low-carb diet could be more effective for weight loss than cutting calories, especially for people with insulin resistance</a></p>

The keto weight loss diet could help boost sperm count and quality, according to 2 case reports

Table of Contents: Masthead Sticky<ul class="summary-list"><li>Men can take supplements like vitamins C, D, and E to boost fertility.</li><li>Experts recommend taking fertility supplements for at least 3 months.</li><li>Fertility supplements won't undo infertility issues from an unhealthy lifestyle.</li></ul><p>An estimated <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/infertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">10% to 20%</a> of infertility cases in men stem from issues related to their sperm. However, male prenatal vitamins - also known as male fertility supplements - may help improve sperm count, says <a href="https://www.fcionline.com/meet-our-doctors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Juan Alvarez, MD</a>, a reproductive endocrinologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois.</p><p><strong>Important: </strong>When trying to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get pregnant</a>, it's paramount that you <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-start-eating-healthy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eat a healthy diet</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/exercise-to-get-results-2016-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exercise regularly</a>. Fertility supplements cannot undo the toll that an unhealthy lifestyle takes on fertility.</p><p>Alvarez recommends a daily multivitamin that includes zinc, <a href="https://www.insider.com/folate-vs-folic-acid#:~:text=Insider's%20takeaway,acid%20is%20the%20synthetic%20form." target="_blank" rel="noopener">folic acid</a>, <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-vitamin-c-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C,</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D</a> along with a few other supplements. Here's what researchers know so far about these supplements and their affect on male fertility.</p><h2><strong>1. Vitamin E </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-vitamin-e-good-for" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin E</a> is a <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fat-soluble antioxidant</a>. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048346/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011 study</a> suggests vitamin E along with selenium is useful in increasing a sperm's motility - or ability to swim to an egg - in infertile men.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-e/art-20364144" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a> recommends 15 mg/day, with intake not exceeding 180 mg, as this may <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1104493" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase the risk for prostate cancer</a>.  </p><h2><strong>2. Vitamin C </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-does-vitamin-c-do" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin C</a> is a <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">water-soluble vitamin</a> involved in protein metabolism, among other bodily processes. Vitamin C itself is an <a href="https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=21723" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant</a> that may help improve sperm quality. </p><p>According to a <a href="https://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(19)31006-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2020 review</a>, clinical evidence of vitamins that increase male fertility most includes <a href="https://www.insider.com/too-much-vitamin-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin C</a>, as well as <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L-carnitine</a>, <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin E</a>, and <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">zinc</a>. Alvarez recommends 1000-2000 mg of vitamin C per day.</p><h2><strong>3. L-carnitine</strong></h2><p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4163266/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2012 review</a> suggests L-carnitine may help to increase sperm quality and sperm movement. The <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Carnitine-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NIH</a> reports that sufficient amounts of carnitine are made by the human body, so there are no dietary recommendations regarding the supplement.</p><p>However, some studies on carnitine supplementation have found that taking <a href="https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(02)04679-4/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2 grams a day for 2 months</a> increased sperm motility. </p><h2><strong>4. Vitamin D</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vitamin D</a> is another <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fat-soluble vitamin</a> helpful in reducing inflammation, maintaining calcium and phosphate levels, and regulating cell growth. </p><p>A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11154-017-9425-0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2017 study</a> found that adding more Vitamin D helped control <a href="https://www.insider.com/calcium-deficiency" target="_blank" rel="noopener">calcium levels</a>, which is essential for sperm motility. Alvarez recommends 15 mcg of <a href="https://www.insider.com/vitamin-d-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamin D</a> per day.</p><h2><strong>5. Zinc </strong></h2><p>Zinc is involved in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7589359/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a series of processes</a> that give sperm the physical capabilities to fuse with and penetrate an egg.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773819/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 review</a> reported that low zinc levels were associated with male infertility. Alvarez says he recommends a male prenatal multivitamin with zinc due to its ability to <a href="https://www.farrinstitute.org/increase-testosterone-naturally/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-27" target="_blank" rel="noopener">boost testosterone production</a>,<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4773819/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> sperm count, and sperm function</a>. </p><p>The NIH recommends <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20if%20you%20get%20too,the%20%22good%22%20cholesterol)." target="_blank" rel="noopener">no more than 40 mg</a> of zinc per day, as too much can lead to harmful side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and an impaired immune system.</p><h2><strong>6. Folic acid</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/folate-vs-folic-acid#:~:text=Insider's%20takeaway,acid%20is%20the%20synthetic%20form." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Folic acid</a> is a variant of <a href="https://www.insider.com/folate-vs-folic-acid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">folate </a>- a water-soluble B vitamin that may help <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/23/5/1014/646098" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce sperm abnormalities</a> according to Alvarez. The Mayo Clinic recommends adults take <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-folate/art-20364625#:~:text=The%20recommended%20daily%20amount%20of,of%20folic%20acid%20a%20day." target="_blank" rel="noopener">no more than 400 micrograms</a> per day.</p><p>It's important to note that the effects of folic acid and zinc on male fertility are still debatable. A <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2758450">2020 study</a> by the NIH found no benefit in semen quality or birth rates in men taking zinc and folic acid supplementation. </p><h2><strong>Can men take prenatal vitamins? </strong></h2><p>"I would highly recommend for men who have abnormal semen parameters to start taking L-carnitine, vitamin E, and Omega 3 DHA/fish oil as these supplements have been shown to have great antioxidant activity," says Alvarez. "Taking a supplement can help change sperm <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> in [2-3 months], which is the amount of time required for sperm to develop."</p><h1>What causes low sperm count</h1><ul><li>Heavy alcohol use</li><li>Smoking</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Tight-fitting underwear</li><li>Stress</li><li>Depression</li><li><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/symptoms-causes/syc-20374585" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A complete list</a></li></ul><p>While there's limited evidence, according to the <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374780" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mayo Clinic</a> male fertility supplements may help sperm health and boost fertility. </p><p><strong>What the research says: </strong>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5203687/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 review</a> found that antioxidant supplementation, including L-carnitine, vitamin E, and vitamin C, taken for 3 to 6 months prior to trying to conceive improved sperm health. This reinforces a <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02784546" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1996 study</a> that saw increased fertility ― including motility, percent live, and percent normal sperm ― in men who took vitamin E (and selenium) for 6 months. </p><p>Alvarez says there is no studied timeline as to when males should start taking fertility supplements and vitamins, but at a minimum, he recommends 3 months which is the time it takes for sperm to mature to the point it can fertilize an egg.</p><p>There's also no shame in trying to increase your chances of fathering a child. Men tend to be <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/31/9/2108/2913864" target="_blank" rel="noopener">less likely to seek infertility treatment </a>potentially due to a variety of <a href="https://www.thebridgeclinic.com/blog/what-is-male-factor-infertility-and-why-the-stigma-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stigmas</a> related to the concepts of fatherhood, manhood, and the frustration or emotional stress of male factor infertility.</p><h2><strong>When to see a doctor about infertility </strong></h2><p>You should visit a doctor if you're experiencing problems with erections, pain or lumps in your testicles, you or your partner is over the age of 35, or you've recently had surgery involving the groin, prostate, or testicles.</p><p><strong>General advice: </strong>See a doctor about possible infertility issues if you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year.</p><p>Sperm quality decreases with age, especially after <a href="https://brighamhealthhub.org/when-to-see-a-fertility-specialist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">age 40</a>. Additionally, <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/male-infertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">John Hopkins Medicine</a> reports that sperm disorders where men have trouble producing healthy sperm can affect fertility. This may be caused by genetic diseases, infections, hormone problems, and lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol, cigarette, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/cbd-vs-thc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marijuana use</a>.</p><p>To examine male fertility factors, <a href="https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1316994403/james-a-grifo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Grifo, MD, PhD</a>, the program director at NYU Langone Prelude Fertility Center and chief executive physician at Inception Fertility says you should see a fertility urologist for further evaluation and testing. This specialist can look for semen analysis abnormalities, anatomic abnormalities, ejaculatory problems, or any masses felt in the testicles. </p><p>"Any male who is experiencing infertility may benefit from a skilled urologic work-up," says Grifo. </p><h3><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h3><p>Nearly <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/male-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20374773" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one in every seven American couples</a> have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword> after a year or more of trying<a href="https://www.insider.com/fertility-diet"></a>. And Alvarez says it's important to know that male infertility is just as common as female infertility. </p><p>"Overall, <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/infertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one-third of infertility cases</a> are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or unknown factors," Alvarez says. </p><p>Male fertility may be aided by supplementation focused on improving sperm motility, sperm count, and increasing <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-are-the-best-anti-aging-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidant activity</a>.</p><p>For this reason, Alvarez says that taking a daily male fertility multivitamin that includes zinc, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D, may help boost sperm health.</p><h1>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h1><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-sperm-count" target="_blank" rel="noopener">6 ways to increase sperm count and improve male fertility</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-men-get-yeast-infections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Men can get yeast infections, too - how to recognize and treat penile yeast infections </a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-fertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to increase fertility and boost your chances of getting pregnant faster</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-can-sperm-live-outside-the-body" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How long can sperm live outside the body? About 15 minutes</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-check-for-testicular-cancer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to check for testicular cancer</a></strong></li></ul>

6 supplements men can take for stronger, healthier sperm

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Black seed oil benefits include helping with weight loss, hair growth, and treating acne.</li><li>Black seed oil side effects include constipation, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. </li><li>Therefore, start with 1/2 a teaspoon of black seed oil a day to give your body time to adjust.</li></ul><p>Black seed oil is a supplement <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extracted from the seeds</a> of Nigella sativa, a flowering plant native to southwest Asia. </p><p>The seeds of Nigella sativa have been used in traditional medicine <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">world</a><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3642442/">wide</a> for the treatment of different ailments and diseases, like skin disorders and digestive issues. </p><p>Modern science is starting to back up some of these claims, and while this research is promising, more studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions about the benefits of black seed oil.</p><p>Here's a look at the science behind some of the benefits of black seed oil. </p><h2>1. Reduces high blood pressure</h2><p>Blackseed oil may help lower blood pressure, but study results are mixed. A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5122217/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 review</a> cited four studies that supported this benefit and five studies that saw no benefit on blood pressure.</p><p>For example, a small  2013 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23436437/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> of adults taking ½ teaspoon of black seed oil twice a day showed a significant improvement in blood pressure after about eight weeks.<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633670/"> </a></p><p>Scientists do not yet know exactly why black seed oil may help lower blood pressure but one reason could be its high <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5708898/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">thymoquinone</a> content. </p><p><strong>Medical term:</strong> Thymoquinone is a bioactive compound, which helps reduce inflammation, likely contributing to better blood pressure management, says <a href="https://www.palomahealth.com/provider/arika-hoscheit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arika Hoscheit</a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist with <a href="https://www.palomahealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paloma Health</a>, an online medical practice. </p><h2>2. Lowers cholesterol</h2>Related Article Module: Saturated vs. unsaturated fat: Why nutritionists say unsaturated is healthier and how to get more in your <keyword id="11892706" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="diet" source="Orion">diet</keyword><p>Black seed oil is high in <a href="https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=rjmp.2011.85.89" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polyunsaturated fatty acids</a>, which boost the "good" cholesterol in our bodies and lower the "bad," says <a href="https://www.newburystreetnutrition.com/about-skylar-griggs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Skylar Griggs</a>, RDN, founder of <a href="https://www.newburystreetnutrition.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newberry Street Nutrition</a> a <keyword id="11910605" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="nutrition" source="Orion">nutrition</keyword> consulting business.</p><p>In fact, a small 2015 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26029855/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> of obese women who took 3 grams of black seed oil per day for eight to 12 weeks while on a low-calorie diet found it significantly lowered their LDL ("bad") compared to the participants who followed the same low-calorie diet but took a placebo, instead. </p><p>In another small 2015 <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996915000459" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>, participants with type 2 diabetes who took 3 grams of black seed oil per day for 12 weeks also saw significantly lowered LDL cholesterol and triglyceride.</p><p><strong>Medical term: </strong><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11117-triglycerides" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Triglycerides</a> are fats that come from your diet. Triglycerides can be found in butter, margarine, and oils. High levels of both LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.</p><h2>3. Helps with weight loss</h2><p>Some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996915000459" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies have found</a> that black seed oil may also help reduce <a href="http://insider.com/is-bmi-accurate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">body mass index</a> (BMI) in individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes.  However, scientists are not yet clear why. </p><p>For example, a small 2015 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26029855/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> of obese women who took 3 grams of black seed oil per day in addition to a low-calorie diet lost more weight overall than the placebo group who followed the same low-cal diet. </p><p>And, in a 2018 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29559374/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">review</a> of black seed oil's effects on weight loss, researchers found the supplement led to an average weight loss of about 4.4 pounds (2.1 kilograms).</p><h2>4. Reduces acne</h2><p>You can also apply black seed oil topically to reduce inflammation in the skin and help <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352241015000286" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleviate acne</a>.</p><p>In fact, a lotion containing 20% black seed oil extract has been found <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5735686/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to be just as effective</a>,  if not more, than <a href="https://www.insider.com/the-best-ingredients-for-acne" target="_blank" rel="noopener">benzoyl peroxide</a>, in treating and reducing breakouts. </p><p><strong>Medical term: </strong>Benzoyl peroxide is a common topical antiseptic used to treat acne. It can be found in many over-the-counter acne products including face washes and spot treatments.</p><p>In a small 2010 <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236032875_Nigella_Sativa_Oil_Lotion_20_vs_Benzoyl_Peroxide_Lotion_5_in_the_Treatment_of_Mild_to_Moderate_Acne_Vulgaris" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a>, 97% of participants who used 20% black seed oil lotion saw more than half of their acne lesions disappear while only 50% of participants using 5% benzoyl peroxide lotion saw the same. The black seed oil lotion group also demonstrated fewer side effects, like skin irritation and itching, than the benzoyl peroxide group. </p><h2>5. Moisturizes skin </h2><p>When used topically, black seed oil may also moisturize the skin and treat some skin conditions, like eczema, though studies so far are limited. </p><p>A small 2013 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23198836/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> found that applying black seed oil twice a day for four weeks was just as effective at reducing the severity of hand eczema as traditional treatment options, including the use of over-the-counter Eucerin lotion and prescription topical steroid Betamethasone. </p><h2>6. May stimulate hair growth</h2>Related Article Module: The best vitamins to help your hair's growth, thickness, and overall <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword><p>Many people report that black seed oil <a href="https://food.ndtv.com/beauty/black-sesame-oil-or-kalonji-oil-why-it-is-a-powerful-beauty-ingredient-for-gorgeous-hair-and-skin-1995974" target="_blank" rel="noopener">helps hair grow and prevents hair loss</a>. However, there is no conclusive research to support this claim, Griggs says. </p><p>Yet, a <a href="https://www.academia.edu/6773244/27_30_Article_The_Effectiveness_of_Coconut_Oil_Mixed_With_Herbs_To_Promote_Hair_Growth?email_work_card=view-paper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">very small 2014 study</a> of three participants found black seed oil may encourage hair growth due to its significant amounts of proteins and fatty acids, which can boost blood circulation, and therefore, stimulate hair growth. </p><p>The study applied different mixtures of coconut oil to four areas of shaved participants' heads and found the coconut and black seed oil mixture promoted more hair growth after four weeks than three other coconut oil mixtures.  </p><h2>7. May improve sperm count </h2>Related Article Module: 6 ways to increase sperm count and improve male fertility<p>Some studies suggest black seed oil may improve sperm count in men diagnosed with infertility.</p><p>For example, a small 2014 <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24680621/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> of infertile males with abnormal sperm counts found that men who took 2.5 ml of black seed oil daily for two months saw a significant improvement in sperm count and mobility compared to men who took a placebo. </p><h2>How to use black seed oil </h2><p>You can find black seed oil supplements in capsule or liquid forms online or at a specialty health food store, like Whole Foods or Natural Grocers. Hoscheit recommends looking for cold-pressed 100% pure Nigella sativa.</p><p>Because black seed oil is not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it's important to consider checking dosage and brands with a doctor or dietitian.</p><p>That said, most black seed oil supplements suggest 1 to 2 teaspoons daily. However, Hoscheit says that if you're new to this supplement, start off easy with ½ tsp per day to give your body time to adjust. </p><h2>Who should not use black seed oil</h2><p>Black seed oil should be safe for most healthy people, but it can <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20201775/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interact with certain medications</a>, like beta-blockers, so it's important to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian before giving it a try. </p><p>If you have any kidney issues, check with your doctor before starting a black seed oil supplement because <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23464648/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one case study</a> found it was associated with kidney failure. </p><p>Additionally, due to limited research, black seed oil is also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, Hoscheit says. </p><h2><strong>Black seed oil side effects </strong></h2><p>Using black seed oil may cause minor side effects like:<br /><br /></p><ul><li>Skin irritation when used topically</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Vomiting</li><li><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5633670/">Nausea and bloating </a><br /><br /></li></ul><p>In general, short-term use of black seed oil for over three months or less has not been found to cause any serious side effects. However, more research is needed to determine if there are long-term effects of using the supplement. </p><h2>Insider's takeaway </h2><p>Some research indicates supplementing with black seed oil may lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, or even help you lose weight. When used topically, black seed oil may also help reduce acne and moisturize skin. </p><p>However, the studies conducted thus far are small or in animals which means more large-scale human studies are needed to determine its effect on the general population as well as dosage recommendations. </p><p>So discuss with your doctor before taking black seed oil as they can recommend the right dosage for your individual needs as well as determine if it's safe to take in the first place. </p><a data-type="60ba90d11b95613b104e00c2">5 science-backed benefits of ashwagandha and how to take it</a><a data-type="611fd7082311692c1154d1bf">5 potential benefits of lion's mane mushroom including improved digestion and anxiety relief</a><a data-type="5f64f179977c430d5b76ff77">The best vitamins to help your hair's growth, thickness, and overall health</a><a data-type="5fa47fc21e1b35112677c945">There are tons of myths about drinking celery juice - here are 4 proven health benefits, backed by science</a>

7 benefits of black seed oil from hair growth to weight loss

<ul class="summary-list"><li>A new study found baby boys born in polluted areas were more likely to have undescended testicles.</li><li>The condition, called cryptorchidism, can impact <keyword id="48777" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="reproductive-health">reproductive health</keyword> if left untreated.</li><li>There's mounting evidence that <keyword id="25943" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="chemicals">chemicals</keyword> are decreasing human reproductive potential to the point of eventual extinction.</li></ul><p>A new study adds to a <a href="https://www.insider.com/plummeting-sperm-counts-are-threatening-human-life-plastics-to-blame-2021-3">mounting body of research</a> suggesting <keyword id="13001" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="pollution">pollution</keyword> is negatively impacting human reproductive ability to the point our existence is in peril.</p><p>Researchers from France's national public <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword> agency found that young boys were being born with deformed testicles, a condition that can result in decreased fertility. They found they were predominantly in areas where coal mining and metal production took place.</p><p>For the study, published on March 17 in the journal <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humrep/deaa378/6171098">Human Reproduction</a>, the researchers looked at 89,382 French boys who have <a href="https://www.eshre.eu/Press-Room/Press-releases-2021/cryptorchidism">cryptorchidism</a>, a genetic birth defect where one or both testes are missing, or undescended, from the scrotum.</p><p>Often, cryptorchidism resolves itself within the six months after a baby is born. But these French boys, all under age 7 and studied between 2002 and 2014, needed surgery to correct their cryptorchidism because it didn't go away on its own.</p><p>According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, <a href="https://www.eshre.eu/Press-Room/Press-releases-2021/cryptorchidism">1 in 100 baby boys need this surgery</a> before they turn 1, otherwise they <a href="https://www.eshre.eu/Press-Room/Press-releases-2021/cryptorchidism">could have lifelong reproductive problems</a> and an increased risk of testicular cancer.</p><p>Cases of cryptorchidism that required surgery increased 36% between 2002 and 2014, the study authors found.</p><p>Mapping out where the boys lived, they found that boys who lived in more polluted regions, where coal mining used to take place, were more than twice as likely to have one undescended testicle. They were also five times more likely to have two undescended testicles.</p><h2>Previous research suggests pollution is shrinking penises and lowering sperm counts</h2><p>This isn't the first time researchers have observed environmental factors like pollution diminishing humans' potential reproductive abilities.</p><p>Epidemiologist Shanna Swan has spent two decades researching how our lifestyles and environments mess with our hormones and reproductive abilities.</p><p>In her new book <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Count-Down/Shanna-H-Swan/9781982113667#">"Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race,"</a> Swan uses her research to explain how invisible chemicals in dust, adhesives, and plastics are linked to <a href="https://www.insider.com/plummeting-sperm-counts-are-threatening-human-life-plastics-to-blame-2021-3">plummeting sperm counts</a>, smaller penises, and overall diminished reproductive ability in grownups, children, and unborn babies.</p><p>That's because these chemicals <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">disrupt how the hormone endocrine is produced</a> in the body. In turn, that disruption can contribute to obesity, lower IQs, premature birth. As Swan found, it can also decrease testosterone production, lower sperm counts, decrease fertility, and contribute to smaller penis size.</p><p>These endocrine disruptors can affect babies as they grow in the womb, if the person carrying them has been exposed to chemicals, according to Swan and <a href="https://www.insider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1">other researchers' work.</a> They can also be passed onto babies in breast milk, said Swan.</p><p>"Babies are now entering the world already contaminated with chemicals because of the substances they absorb in the womb," she wrote.</p><p>For our best chance at stopping the fertility-hindering effects of chemicals and plastics, Swan suggested <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-avoid-chemicals-lowering-sperm-counts-shrinking-penises-2021-3">limiting your exposure</a> to these toxins in your day-to-day life.</p>

Boys are being born with testicles in the wrong place, and pollution could be to blame

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Having a body mass index (BMI) that is too high or too low can impact your ability to conceive.</li><li>If you are over<keyword id="17819" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="weight">weight</keyword> or obese, losing weight can boost <keyword id="6414006" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fertility">fertility</keyword> and increase the chances of getting pregnant.</li><li>Weight is closely linked to underlying fertility issues in both men and women.</li></ul><p>If you are trying to conceive, maintaining a healthy weight can help <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-weight/weight-fertility-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase your chances</a> of getting pregnant. </p><p>Having a <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-bmi-accurate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">body mass index (BMI)</a> that is too high (&gt;25) or too low (&lt;18) can impact your ability to conceive and <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/healthy-weight/weight-fertility-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase complications</a> during <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy">pregnancy</keyword>, says<a href="https://rmanetwork.com/specialists/emily-k-osman/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Emily Osman</a>, MD, an OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist with the RMA network in New Jersey. </p><p>"Weight is closely linked to underlying fertility issues in both men and women," Osman says, adding that an unhealthy weight can also "reduce the chances of fertility treatments being successful."</p><p>Find out more about how weight affects fertility, and what you can do about it.</p><h2>How weight affects fertility</h2><p>About<a href="https://www.asrm.org/topics/topics-index/weight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 12%</a> of female infertility may be connected to the patient's weight being too high or too low, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). </p><p>"For women, being underweight or overweight may be associated with what's known as ovulatory dysfunction, or the ability to regularly release an egg in order to conceive," Osman says. </p><p><strong>General advice: </strong>Ideally, people trying to conceive should be within the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">healthy body-mass index (BMI) range</a> of 18.5 to 24.9, Osman says. However, that's not possible for everyone. </p><p>For those who are among the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-adult-17-18/obesity-adult.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">74% of overweight or obese Americans</a>, a moderate weight loss of 7% and an increase in activity can improve fertility, says Osman's colleague,<a href="https://rmanetwork.com/specialists/jason-m-franasiak/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Jason Franasiak,</a> MD, an infertility specialist. </p><p>That's because body fat affects hormones, including those needed to mature and release an egg. </p><p>Underweight women may stop releasing <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gonadotropin-releasing-hormone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gonadotropin-releasing hormone</a> (GnRH), which leads to a condition known as<a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/amenorrhea/conditioninfo/causes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> hypothalamic amenorrhea</a>, where there is no menstrual cycle, no egg release, and therefore no egg to fertilize. </p><p>Overweight individuals are more likely to have<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18641044/#:~:text=Results:%20Women%20with%20very%20low,l%20increase%20in%20estradiol%20levels." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> higher estrogen levels</a>. In females, high estrogen levels can<a href="https://www.asrm.org/topics/topics-index/weight/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> shut down</a> the menstrual cycle, again leaving no egg to be fertilized. In males, higher estrogen levels can<a href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/fertility-blog/2014/may/whats-the-link-between-obesity-and-infertility#:~:text=Being%20overweight%20or%20obese%20can,for%20Reproductive%20Medicine%20(ASRM)." target="_blank" rel="noopener"> impact testicular function</a>, leading to<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1108774" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> lower sperm count</a> and, thus, decreased chances for a sperm to fertilize an egg.</p><p>Overweight females are also at a<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845358/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> higher risk</a> for physical conditions including <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-pcos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polycystic ovary syndrome</a> (PCOS), tubal infections, and <a href="https://www.insider.com/do-i-have-endometriosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">endometriosis</a>, all of which can make it more difficult to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. </p><h2>How weight affects pregnancy <keyword id="6354750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health">health</keyword></h2> <p>In addition to impacting fertility, weight can also affect the outcome of pregnancy. "Maternal obesity is strongly associated with mom and baby complications," says Franasiak. </p><p>Being underweight or overweight brings its own set of risks:</p><ul><li><strong>Being underweight </strong>is<a href="https://www.ok.gov/health2/documents/Prepregnancy%20Underweight%20and%20Related%20Prematurity%20in%20Newborn_Jan2020.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> linked</a> to complications such as preterm labor and low birth weight.</li><li><strong>Being overweight</strong> increases the risk of<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/pr9201134" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> almost all pregnancy complications, </a>including miscarriage, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.</li></ul><h3>Obesity-related complications in pregnancy </h3><ul><li><strong>Miscarriage and stillbirth:</strong> Obese (BMI &gt;30) pregnant people have a roughly<a href="https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/19/7/1644/2356447" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 20% increased risk for first-trimester miscarriages and are three times more likely</a> to experience recurring <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-miscarriage-last" target="_blank" rel="noopener">miscarriages</a> than those with a healthy BMI. The risk for stillbirth also<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> increases with higher BMI</a>. </li><li><strong>Gestational diabetes:</strong> Overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and obese (BMI &gt;30) pregnant people have an increased risk for gestational diabetes. Their collective risk accounts for<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866592/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> roughly half</a> of gestational diabetes cases. In turn, gestational diabetes<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/gestational-diabetes.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> increases risks</a> for other pregnancy complications including high blood pressure, birth injuries to the baby and mother, and stillbirth. </li><li><strong>Birth defects:</strong> Overweight pregnant mothers are <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more likely</a> to have children with heart or neural tube defects, such as <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/spina-bifida-fact-sheet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spina bifida</a>, and are more likely to give birth prematurely, which comes with a host of<a href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/premature-babies.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> lifelong health risks</a> for the baby. </li></ul><h2>How does losing weight increase fertility?</h2><p>It's a good idea to try to get your body weight closer to a healthy range before trying to conceive, Franasiak says. However, if your BMI is much higher than 24.9, even small changes can<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> boost your fertility and lead to a healthier pregnancy</a>. </p><p>"Current<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> recommendations</a> include a weight loss of 7% of body weight and increased weekly physical activity of at least 150 minutes - or 30 minutes in 5 out of 7 days - which can be as simple as walking," Fransiak says.</p><p>Eating healthy and moving regularly can help you<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> achieve</a> moderate weight loss, Fransiak says. <a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Ask your doctor</a> for a referral to a nutritionist who can help support weight loss or gain; doing so may increase your chances of conception and healthy pregnancy. </p><p>If your doctor diagnoses<a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> insulin resistance</a> or <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3475283/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PCOS</a>, they might prescribe a medication like<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> metformin</a>, but there are no weight-loss drugs that are commonly used for people trying to conceive since weight loss medications are<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> not recommended</a> for those trying to have a baby.</p><p>People who are very overweight and have struggled to lose weight may also consider surgical weight-loss options, but should not try to get pregnant for<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> at least a year</a> after surgery, Fransiak says. </p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Weight can impact conception for both males and females, and it can affect pregnancy health for mother and child. </p><p>It<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> is possible</a> to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy if you are overweight or obese. However having a BMI of less than 18.5 or more than 24.9 can affect your hormonal health, affecting fertility and making it difficult to conceive. </p><p>For overweight individuals, a small weight loss of<a href="https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/obesity-and-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> 5-7%</a> of body weight can boost your fertility, increase your chances of getting pregnant, and decrease health risks during pregnancy. Your doctor can work with you to put together a plan for healthy weight loss. </p><p>"Weight loss can be challenging, but it will help to increase the likelihood of conception and a healthy pregnancy," Osman says. </p><h2>Related stories from <a href="https://www.insider.com/health-reference" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Health Reference</a>:</h2><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-helps-with-pregnancy-nausea">How to reduce your pregnancy nausea</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/does-pregnancy-cause-acne">Yes, pregnancy can cause acne. Here's when you will breakout the worst and how to treat it.</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/when-do-pregnancy-cravings-start">When pregnancy cravings start and how long they last</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/is-tylenol-safe-for-pregnancy">Yes, Tylenol is safe for pregnancy. Here's the right dosage</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-a-flu-shot-while-pregnant">Yes, you can get a flu shot while pregnant. Here's the best time to get it.</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/ob-gyn-doctors-biggest-pregnancy-myths-debunked-2019-10">Doctors debunk the 25 biggest pregnancy myths</a></strong></li></ul>

How weight impacts your chances of getting pregnant

<ul class="summary-list"><li>There's no surefire way to get pregnant faster, but there are steps that may increase your chances.</li><li>The six-day window around ovulation each month is when you are most fertile.</li><li>Adopting healthy habits, such as a nutrient-rich diet, can boost <keyword id="11914854" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fertility" source="Orion">fertility</keyword> and improve your chances.</li></ul><p>If you're hoping to have a baby, you're probably looking to increase your chances of getting pregnant. While educating yourself about how to improve your odds of conceiving is important, that doesn't mean there's some magical, clandestine way to get pregnant faster. </p><p>An estimated 40% to 60% of couples younger than 30 will conceive within 3 months of trying. Though it can become harder as you age.</p><p>There's usually a six-day window every month in the days right before, during, and after <a href="https://www.insider.com/ovulation-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ovulation</a> that you are at your highest chance of getting pregnant.</p><p>So knowing when you ovulate is key. But there are other factors like diet and medical conditions that can also affect your odds. </p><p>Here's what you need to know to get pregnant, what might be impairing your chances, and when to seek a fertility specialist.</p><h2><strong>How does <keyword id="6357793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pregnancy" source="Orion">pregnancy</keyword> happen?</strong></h2><p>Conception happens around the time of ovulation when the ovaries release an ova, or egg, which travels through the fallopian tubes and eventually to your uterus.</p><p>To reach an egg, sperm must enter the vagina, pass through the cervix and uterus, and reach the fallopian tubes, where fertilization usually occurs.</p><p>In order for a pregnancy to take hold, that fertilized egg must then attach to the uterine wall in a process called implantation, which <a href="https://www.insider.com/when-does-implantation-occur" target="_blank" rel="noopener">usually occurs 6-12 days after conception</a>. </p><h2><strong>When to have sex to get pregnant</strong></h2><p>You don't have to wait for the day you ovulate to have sex. The best time to have sex is when <a href="https://www.insider.com/when-are-you-most-fertile" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you are most fertile</a> in the days leading up to, during, and immediately after ovulation. </p><p>That's because sperm can survive for 3-5 days inside the fallopian tubes. Basically, it hangs out like a hitchhiker and waits for the egg to pass through and catch a ride to the uterus where implantation occurs.</p><p>Once released, an egg can survive for 12-24 hours. So you can also get pregnant by having sex a day or two after ovulation before the egg disintegrates and is flushed out of your system. Once the egg is gone, you must wait until your next ovulation to try again.</p><h2><strong>How to track ovulation</strong></h2><p>Ovulation typically happens around day 14-16 of your cycle. However, ovulation may happen sooner or later depending on the length of your cycle. The <a href="https://www.insider.com/menstrual-cycle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">typical cycle</a> lasts 28-30 days but there are those who have cycles that last 24 days and some with 35-day cycles. </p><p>The first day of your period marks the start of your cycle, so it's easiest to track when you'll ovulate if you have a regular period around the same time each month. However, there are additional steps you can take to know when you're about to ovulate:</p><ul><li><strong>Track your body temperature.</strong> During ovulation, your body temperature will rise by 0.5-1.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your temperature each morning before getting out of bed.</li><li><strong>Check your cervical mucus. </strong>In the days leading up to ovulation, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/white-discharge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaginal discharge</a> will appear white with a smooth texture. Once you start ovulating, it will turn clear and slippery.</li><li><strong>Try an ovulation predictor kit. </strong><a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/health/best-ovulation-test" target="_blank" rel="noopener">These kits</a> are available over the counter and provide urine tests that will measure hormone levels that indicate when you are ovulating. </li></ul><p>A person's fertility window usually opens after menstruation is over. However, <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-pregnant-on-your-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you can get pregnant on your period</a>, especially if you have an irregular cycle. That's why relying on other cues like body temperature and using an ovulation kit can boost your chances of getting pregnant more than just tracking your cycle, alone. </p><h2><strong>How to boost fertility</strong></h2><p>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">35%</a> of <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-infertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infertility cases are caused</a> by a mix of factors involving both partners. So, if you are having difficulty getting pregnant or you just want to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-fertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase your chances of getting pregnant faster</a>, here are some steps that you and your partner can take.</p><h3><strong>Eat right</strong></h3><p>A healthy diet is proven to boost fertility for both partners. For example, a diet rich in <a href="https://www.insider.com/zinc-foods" target="_blank" rel="noopener">zinc</a> and <a href="https://www.insider.com/foods-high-in-vitamin-c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vitamins C</a> and E has<a href="https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)02998-1/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> been linked to</a> both an increase in sperm count and motility — the strength to swim up through the cervix. </p><p>A mostly plant-based diet with plenty of <a href="https://www.insider.com/plant-based-protein" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vegetable-based proteins</a>, beans, and nuts may help <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17978119/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce the risk</a> of infertility due to ovulation issues. Taking a <a href="https://www.insider.com/guides/parenting/best-prenatal-vitamins" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prenatal vitamin</a> can also prep your body with the right nutrients it needs for getting pregnant.</p><h3><strong>Avoid caffeine and alcohol</strong></h3><p>No one said it would be easy. You should both cut out alcohol and smoking as well as reduce caffeine intake. Also, limit the following in your diet:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-cut-sugar-out-of-your-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sugar</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-protein-as-a-vegan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meat</a></li><li>Trans fats, like those in fried and processed snack foods</li></ul><h3><strong>Maintain a healthy weight</strong></h3><p>Being underweight or overweight puts people more at risk of hormonal imbalances that can lead to irregular cycles, which makes it <a href="https://www.insider.com/does-weight-affect-fertility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">harder to get pregnant</a>.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3521747/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Preliminary studies</a> indicate that <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-considered-obese" target="_blank" rel="noopener">being obese</a> can reduce sperm count. Moreover, obesity-related <keyword id="11894571" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="health" source="Orion">health</keyword> problems such as <a href="https://www.insider.com/what-causes-type-2-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">type 2 diabetes</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/high-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">high blood pressure</a> may also lower <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-testosterone" target="_blank" rel="noopener">testosterone</a> levels and make it difficult to <a href="https://www.healthymale.org.au/mens-health/diabetes-and-reproductive-health" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get and keep an erection</a>.</p><p>However, research indicates that these infertility issues can sometimes be reversed in sexes by reaching and maintaining a healthy BMI (body mass index). Though, contrary to popular belief, you're not going to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-many-calories-does-sex-burn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">burn many calories while having sex</a>. For some effective tips on shedding pounds, check out our guide for <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-lose-weight" target="_blank" rel="noopener">how to lose weight safely</a>. </p><h3><strong>Schedule a physical exam</strong></h3><p>Both partners should schedule a visit with a certified physician to make sure neither of you has any conditions that may reduce your chances of conceiving. </p><p>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-increase-sperm-count" target="_blank" rel="noopener">quantity of sperm</a> in each ejaculation and its motility is key to fertilizing an egg. Some medical conditions that may impair sperm function and affect fertility are:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/keto-diet-for-diabetics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diabetes</a></li><li>Cystic fibrosis</li><li>Autoimmune disorders</li><li>Pelvic infection</li><li>Chemotherapy</li><li>Radiation cancer treatments</li><li>Hypothalamus dysfunction</li></ul><p>Medical conditions that often cause painful or <a href="https://www.insider.com/is-it-normal-to-miss-a-period#:~:text=Visit%20Insider's%20homepage%20for%20more,time%20to%20see%20your%20doctor." target="_blank" rel="noopener">missed menstrual periods</a> — like <a href="https://www.insider.com/do-i-have-endometriosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">endometriosis</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-i-get-pregnant-with-pcos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)</a> — tend to go hand-in-hand with <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-pregnant-with-endometriosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fertility issues</a>. Other conditions that may disrupt the ovulation cycle and cause fertility problems are:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Diabetes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-is-celiac-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Celiac disease</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/thyroid-symptoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Thyroid</a> disease</li><li>Vaginal infections caused by <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-do-you-get-hpv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HPV</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/pelvic-inflammatory-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">untreated STIs</a></li></ul><p>Sometimes, people with vaginas may also have fertility issues caused by structural abnormalities. An exam might reveal <a href="https://www.insider.com/uterine-fibroids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fibroids</a> or <a href="https://www.insider.com/ovarian-cyst" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cysts</a> — which can sometimes cause problems in pregnancy. In addition, an <a href="https://www.insider.com/transvaginal-ultrasound" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ultrasound</a> or other imaging studies may be necessary to confirm that the fallopian tubes are open and that there is nothing disrupting the endometrial cavity or "lining" of the uterus.</p><h2><strong>When to seek a fertility specialist</strong></h2><p>The general recommendation is that if you are unable to conceive after trying reliably for one year, you should speak to your doctor about a referral to an infertility specialist. An estimated <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common#:~:text=Studies%20suggest%20that%20after%201,had%20a%20live%2Dborn%20baby.&amp;text=(In%20couples%20younger%20than%20age,3%20months%20of%20trying.5)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">12-15% of couples</a> will not conceive within the first year of trying and 10% will not conceive after 2 years. </p><p>If you are having trouble getting pregnant and you and your partner are otherwise young and healthy, a fertility specialist can discuss your options like fertility treatments including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and <a href="https://www.insider.com/can-you-get-pregnant-without-having-sex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intrauterine insemination</a> (IUI). </p><h2><strong>Getting pregnant, again</strong></h2><p>If this isn't your first rodeo, then it's recommended that you wait anywhere from 18-24 months after you gave birth<a href="https://www.insider.com/how-soon-after-giving-birth-can-you-get-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> before getting pregnant, again</a>. How long you need to wait largely depends on how you gave birth. </p><p>If you had a natural birth and delivered through the vagine, then doctors say you can start trying to get pregnant again after 18 months. If you had a <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-recover-from-a-c-section" target="_blank" rel="noopener">C-section</a> then you're advised to wait 24 months. If you get pregnant sooner, it increases your risk of complications during pregnancy.</p><h2><strong>Getting pregnant after a miscarriage</strong></h2><p>An estimated 10% to 20% of pregnancies end in <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-prevent-a-miscarriage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">miscarriage</a>. This most commonly occurs in the first trimester and can be very disheartening, particularly for those who have spent a long time trying to conceive. </p><p>However, it does not necessarily mean that it will happen again. Speak to your doctor about how and <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-soon-after-a-miscarriage-can-you-get-pregnant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">when to try again</a> if your first pregnancy ends in miscarriage. </p><h2><strong>Insider's takeaway</strong></h2><p>Getting pregnant may take careful timing, planning, and potentially some <keyword id="15482" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="lifestyle" source="Orion">lifestyle</keyword> changes. </p><p>When trying for a pregnancy, it is not uncommon for sex to become stressful or strain your relationship. </p><p>Be cognizant about how sex and fertility planning is affecting your life, and try to focus on all of the <a href="https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-sex" target="_blank" rel="noopener">additional benefits of sex</a> as much as possible.</p>

How to get pregnant: A guide to help boost fertility and increase your chances of a quick conception

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c49e4ee2bdd7f7bb5615fc3-2000/human popuation on earth sustainability environment plastic bottles.jpg" border="0" alt="human popuation on earth sustainability environment plastic bottles" data-mce-source="Nguyen Huy Kham/Reuters" /></div></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/toxic-chemicals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mess with the body's normal functioning</a>.</strong></li><li><strong>T</strong><strong>hey can contribute to lowered IQs, raised infertility rates, obesity, and low birth weights, among other things.</strong></li><li><strong>Leo Trasande, a pediatrician who studies the effects of these chemicals on people, warns of their effects in his new book, "Sicker, Fatter, Poorer."</strong></li><li><strong>Trasande says that with a few simple hacks, we can make our lives a little safer by avoiding these chemicals when possible.</strong></li><li><strong>The endocrine-disrupting chemicals he's most worried about are in our carpets, clothes, canned and packaged foods, cosmetics, and even receipts. </strong></li></ul><p>Through the course of a single day, your hands, mouth, and body come in contact with countless pieces of paper, plastic, fabric, and furniture.</p><p>You probably don't think about the chemicals these substances might harbor, or consider that they have a drug-like effect on health. But some do. They can make metabolisms slow down, subtly lower IQs, contribute to ADHD in children, and mess with sperm counts in men.</p><p>They're called "endocrine disruptors," and they're around us all the time. The chemicals change how our bodies work by shifting the way hormones operate, according to Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and public-health researcher at NYU Langone Health.</p><p>"Hormones are the basic signaling molecules in our body that take on so many actions for practically every organ system" Trasande told Business Insider. "And endocrine disruptors are synthetic chemicals that scramble those signals, contributing to disease and disability."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c545c6f5a148f14a94876a2-2000/leo trasande safer chemicals.jpg" border="0" alt="leo trasande safer chemicals" data-mce-source="Riccardo S. Savi/FilmMagic" data-mce-caption="Jessica Alba, Marla Weston, and Leo Trasande join the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families Coalition on Capitol Hill to discuss the Safe Chemicals Act in 2011." /></div></div></div></p><p>In his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sicker-Fatter-Poorer-Hormone-Disrupting-Chemicals/dp/1328553493" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new book</a>, "Sicker, Fatter, Poorer: <span id="productTitle">The Urgent Threat of Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals to Our Health and Future ... and What We Can Do About It," Trasande lays out the four big categories of endocrine disruptors he's most concerned about, based on evidence from scientific studies and observations in his patients.</span></p><p>They are:</p><ul><li><strong>Bisphenols,</strong> like BPA, which are often found in the linings of aluminum-<a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.5512" target="_blank" rel="noopener">canned food and drinks</a> and on cash-register <a href="https://www.pca.state.mn.us/green-chemistry/bpa-thermal-paper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">receipts</a>.</li><li><strong>Brominated flame retardants</strong> that are in some carpets, furniture, and clothing.</li><li><strong>Synthetic pesticides</strong> on food.</li><li>"Plasticizer chemicals" called <strong>phthalates</strong> that show up in plastic food packaging, lotions, and cosmetics.</li></ul><h2>BPA makes fat cells bigger, contributing to obesity and lower sperm counts</h2><p>The chemical BPA, and <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanplh/PIIS2542-5196(17)30049-9.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">others like it</a>, could make the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5765817/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">body turn more calories into fat</a> instead of muscle, predisposing people to obesity.</p><p>In the lab, BPA acts like an obesogen. "It makes fat cells bigger," as Trasande writes. This is especially true if human embryos are exposed to the chemicals while still in a mother's womb.</p><p>Trasande said the obesogen effects of BPA are fairly small compared to what diet and exercise can do for health, but <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22990270" target="_blank" rel="noopener">they're real</a>.</p><p>"BPA exposure may explain nearly 2% of all obesity in 4-year-olds," Trasande says in his book. That stat is based on his analyses of data on childhood obesity and adult heart issues published in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24452104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the journal Health Affairs in 2014</a>.<span style="background-color: #ffcc00;"></span></p><p>The chemical is also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24247736" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dangerous for babies and pregnant women;</a> it can up the odds of a premature birth, and mess with placenta function.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c50a1a92bdd7f5fcc1bb468-1042/screen shot 2018-05-22 at 35930 pm.png" border="0" alt="cvs receipts kimmel" data-mce-source="Jimmy Kimmel Live" /></div></div></div></p><p>Men are not immune to the effects of BPA, either. The chemical can mess with androgens (male sex hormones) like testosterone, contributing to lower sperm counts, and even testicular-cancer rates.</p><p>The vast majority of us are exposed to the chemical. A 2013-14 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CDC survey</a> suggested 95% of US adults have detectable levels of BPA.</p><p>Counter to the adage that "the dose makes the poison," with hormone-disrupting chemicals there are often nonlinear relationships between the amount of chemical exposure and risk as the body's enzymes duke it out and compete with the hormone disruptors.</p><p>"The notion that everything needs to be linear - in a straight-line relationship - is really our own intellectual construct on a scientific reality that's much more complicated," Trasande says.</p><p>Many manufacturers are switching to BPA-free products. But that doesn't always mean they're safer, Trasande says, because many of the so-called replacements are just BPA relatives and the chemicals have similar effects on our health.</p><p>"To a large extent, when you don't know what's replacing [BPA], it's often BPS, BPF, BPP, BPZ - what I like to joke of as the artist formerly known as Prince," he said.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c50a1162bdd7f5ea460c2f2-1063/texting on couch.jpg" border="0" alt="woman texting on couch" data-mce-source="Shutterstock" /></div></div></div></p><h2>Brominated flame retardants found in most furniture we use</h2><p>Brominated flame retardants - flame-stomping chemicals found in furniture, carpeting, clothing, and car-seat foam - can change the way the thyroid functions in a similar way to BPA, shifting how the body processes fats and carbohydrates.</p><p>What's more, a 2012 <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/ct-met-flame-retardants-20120506-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Tribune</a> investigation found that the firefighting chemicals, which are standard fare in foam cushions, don't work well to stop flames.</p><p>One <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4123029/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large study of the flame retardants</a> in houses pinpointed a link between ADHD and exposure to the chemicals. More <a href="https://www.nih.gov/echo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a> is ongoing.</p><p>Concentrations of the chemicals <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5360950/">in human blood, sweat, and breast milk</a> are much higher in the US than in parts of the world, such as Europe, where more brominated flame retardants are banned.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5981c13d5124c96113cfe3de-800/drifting-crop-chemical-deals-double-whammy-to-us-farmers-2017-8.jpg" border="0" alt="John Weiss looks over his crop of  soybeans, which he had reported to the state board for showing signs of damage due to the drifting of Monsanto's pesticide Dicamba, at his farm in Dell, Arkansas, U.S. July 25, 2017. Picture taken July 25, 2017. REUTERS/Karen Pulfer Focht" data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="John Weiss looks over his damaged crop on his farm in Dell" /></div></div></div></p><h2>Chemicals we spray to kill bugs can mess with us too</h2><p>Certain pesticides used on food are also a concern, including bug-killing chlorpyrifos pesticides. These have been shown to impede brain development, making changes to the way a woman's thyroid functions during pregnancy.</p><p>In the 1970s and '80s, before the chemical was banned in homes, doctors started noticing an increase in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5739382/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tinier and shorter premature babies</a> being born, even in homes with <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1247388/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">low levels of the chemicals</a>. After the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of chlorpyrifos in homes, <a href="https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/chlorpyrifos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in 2000</a>, birth weights went back up.</p><p>Exposure to chlorpyrifos can have lasting effects on child development. One <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4809635/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2015 study in kids between the ages of 11 and 14</a> found prenatal exposure to the chemical was linked to more arm tremors, which are also common in adults who've been exposed to lead. The chemicals are <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/408173-trump-admin-appeals-ruling-ordering-epa-to-ban-pesticide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">still used</a> in agriculture.</p><h2>Flexible plastics can also contribute to cancer</h2><p>Finally, Trasande is concerned about phthalates, chemicals that help make plastics more flexible and durable. They appear in raincoats, flooring, hair spray, nail polish, plastic food packaging, and toys.</p><p>According to the <a href="https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/phthalates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US government</a>, "one phthalate, Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is an endocrine disruptor and can cause cancer." Additionally, the government says some phthalates can mess with normal reproduction and child-development processes.</p><p>In some studies, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">women tended to have more of the chemicals in their bodies than men</a> because of beauty products they use. But anyone who eats packaged food or breathes in household dust probably has phthalates in their system.</p><p>More research on what these chemicals are doing to us is needed, but we do already have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4005250/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">some evidence that they're leading to premature births</a>, which can set kids up for a whole <a href="https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/wellness-community/health-information/short-long-term-effects-preterm-birth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">host of health problems</a> later in life, including <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vision and hearing</a> issues, chronic diseases like diabetes, <a href="https://www.nichd.nih.gov/newsroom/resources/spotlight/012612-effects-preterm-birth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anxiety, depression</a>, and learning disabilities.</p><p>The plasticizing chemicals <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26385792" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may also be linked</a> to decreases in male testosterone levels. Scientists need to know more about the plastics before they'll say that conclusively, though.</p><p><strong><em>Read more</em></strong>: <em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-are-pfas-chemicals-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dangerous 'forever chemicals' have been found in US drinking water at alarmingly high rates - here's what to know about PFAS</a></em></p><p>Recently, manufacturers, retailers, and state lawmakers have started to pay more serious attention to the dangers of hormone disruptors, and they're making some changes.</p><p>Since 2013, California <a href="https://www.kqed.org/science/11318/its-official-toxic-flame-retardants-no-longer-required-in-furniture" target="_blank" rel="noopener">no longer requires furniture</a> to contain flame retardants (a previous requirement for 38 years).</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/528ce1a8ecad047761969d34-800/original-4-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Chili in jars" data-mce-source="Beall + Thomas" /></div></div></div><span style="background-color: #ffcc00;"></span></p><h2>What you can do to reduce your exposure</h2><ul><li>Eat less canned food and more fresh produce. Trasande is a fan of organic farming because it generally excludes synthetic pesticides, but studies suggest that eating <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/could-eating-organic-prevent-cancer-2018-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">whatever fresh produce you can afford</a> is the best strategy for your health.</li><li>Say no to paper receipts. This can help receipt-handling cashiers, who often have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21205581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">elevated levels of BPA</a> in their urine.</li><li>Don't microwave plastic containers or put them in a dishwasher as the heat promotes chemical leaching. Throw kitchen plastics away when they become etched or scratched.</li><li>Avoid the recycling Nos. 3, 6, and 7, which are <a href="https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/plasticpam.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">common plastics</a> found in shampoo bottles, Styrofoam trays for ground beef, and coffee-cup lids, among other things.</li><li>Incorporate iodine-rich foods into your diet, including seafood, dairy, and cranberries. Iodine is <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iodine-Consumer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a necessary ingredient for thyroid-hormone production,</a> which helps bones and brains develop well.</li><li>Look for cosmetics that are "phthalate-free" and made without parabens, triclosan, or benzophenones.</li><li>Opt for naturally flame-resistant fibers, like wool, instead of chemically treated carpets, furniture, and clothes.</li><li>Circulate fresh air through your home.</li></ul><p>Small steps like these can make a big difference. The <a href="http://web.colby.edu/cleanmakeup/government-regulations/european-union-regulations/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">European Union</a> has <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009R1223" target="_blank" rel="noopener">banned</a> 1,328 chemicals from cosmetic use, and under the new bans <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1438463916301092?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">French scientists have noticed a decline in chemical concentrations</a> in people's blood, urine, and hair. In the US, the FDA <a href="https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceRegulation/LawsRegulations/ucm127406.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forbids just 11 chemicals</a>, and concentrations of the toxic chemicals in American bodies <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1002727" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are elevated</a> when compared to Europeans.</p><p>The US has taken steps to improve public health before. The phase-out of leaded gasoline and paint in the 1970s led to a measurable brainpower boost in kids: as blood lead levels dropped, IQs went up anywhere from 2.2 to 4.7%. The economic benefits of that ban tally up to <a href="https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/pediatrics/divisions/environmental-pediatrics/research/policy-initiatives/economic-costs-childhood-lead-exposure-low-middle-income-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2.45 trillion every year,</a> and Trasande compares the IQ hike's impact on productivity and the economy to a generous stimulus package:</p><p>As Trasande writes, "Each of us 300 million Americans gets the equivalent of as much as a $1,000 tax refund each year because we did the right thing and got lead out of gasoline in the 1970s."</p><p>Many of the chemicals on Trasande's danger list today stay in the <a href="https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2012/185731/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">body for hours</a> or days, not months or years, which means it's never too late to reduce your exposure.</p>

A toxic-chemicals expert is sounding the alarm about 4 cancer-linked chemicals that could be making us sicker and fatter

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5cf7ca2a11e2050e6720477c-1839/rihanna eating food.jpg" border="0" alt="rihanna eating food" data-mce-source="James Devaney/Getty Images" /><p class="source"><span>James Devaney/Getty Images</span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/microplastics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Microplastics</a> - </strong></strong><strong>tiny plastic particles smaller than a sesame seed and often thinner than a human hair - are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/woman-swims-around-easter-island-19-hours-record-2019-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ubiquitous in our modern environment</a>.</strong></li><li><strong>They come from larger plastic debris that gets broken down, as well as microbeads in beauty products and microfiber towels.</strong></li><li><strong>A new <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study</a> suggests people in the US eat about 200 of these tiny plastic pieces per day.</strong></li><li><strong>We don't yet know what these microplastics are doing to our bodies, but <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">evidence suggests that eating food and drinking beverages out of plastic containers can mess</a> with our hormones, scramble our reproductive systems, and make us fatter. </strong></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul><p>Think for a second about what you have eaten today. Chances are, pieces of plastic aren't on your list.</p><p>But they should be. </p><p>A <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.est.9b01517" target="_blank" rel="noopener">study published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Science &amp; Technology suggests</a> that microplastics - tiny, often invisible pieces of plastic - are in our water, food, air, and stomachs at alarming rates.</p><p>The researchers compiled data from 26 studies, looking at 3,600 samples of food and drink sources including seafood, salt, sugar, honey, beer, and water from the tap and bottles. They also looked at microplastic concentrations in the air, indoors and out. Then they calculated how much of these substances the average person eats and breathes in every day, based on recommended dietary intakes, consumption data from the Department of Agriculture, and estimates from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).</p><p>Their numbers suggest that Americans take in between 203 and 312 bits of plastic every day, depending on our age and sex.</p><p>Over time, that adds up: The average American woman may ingest around 98,000 tiny plastic particles every year, while the average man consumes 121,000.  </p><p>Bottled water drinkers have it the worst. They ingest about 86,000 more microplastics per year than people who drink from the tap. That's an extra 236 small plastic particles every day.</p><p><span>Scientists aren't yet sure what health risks these microplastics pose for humans, but here's what we know so far.</span></p><h2>Yeah, we eat and drink plastic. So what? </h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5cf8236c11e2052333043407-758/gettyimages-81018252 1.jpg" border="0" alt="obama eating" data-mce-source="Charles Ommanney/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and his wife Michelle eat a cheesesteak and fries during a campaign stop at Pat's King of Steaks April 22, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." data-link="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/democratic-presidential-candidate-senator-barack-obama-and-news-photo/81018252?adppopup=true" /><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/democratic-presidential-candidate-senator-barack-obama-and-news-photo/81018252?adppopup=true">Charles Ommanney/Getty Images</a></span></p><p class="caption">Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and his wife Michelle eat a cheesesteak and fries during a campaign stop at Pat's King of Steaks April 22, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p><span>The most common microplastics we eat are fibers (like those from microfiber cloths), but we also take in plastic fragments, plastic granules that <a href="https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">can be as big as sesame seeds</a>, and tiny bits of foams and films. Plastic even comes</span><span> into our noses. </span></p><p><span>"Unless coughed or sneezed out of the mouth or nasal openings, inhaled particles will either enter the digestive system via mucociliary clearing or remain trapped in the lungs," the researchers said in the study.</span><span></span></p><p><span>The World Health Organization says there isn't yet enough evidence to conclude that microplastic particles are hurting us, since <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-drinking-plastic-does-to-your-body-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">so little data is available</a>. But research conducted in other creatures does not look good. Evidence shows that microplastics hurt sea life and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29529442" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slow down growth</a> and reproduction rates in fish. </span></p><p>It's not yet known whether the tiny particles are dangerous for us on their own, but scientists do know that they contain toxic chemicals that have been shown to have detrimental health effects.</p><p>One category of these <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">chemicals</a> is phthalates, which are found in plastic packaging. At least one phthalate can cause cancer, according to the <a href="https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/phthalates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US National Institutes of Health</a>. Phthalates can also mess with our ability to make babies and can impair normal child development. Over the past five decades, sperm counts have plummeted: Researchers have found that <a href="https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689" target="_blank" rel="noopener">men today produce about half the sperm they did in the 1970s</a> across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. There is some initial evidence this trend <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5242098/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may be linked to more plastic use</a>. P<span>lasticizing chemicals </span><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26385792" target="_blank" rel="noopener">may also be linked</a><span> to decreases in male testosterone levels. </span></p><p>Microplastics also contain the chemical BPA, which is often used in the lining of canned foods and drinks. <span>A survey conducted in 2013 and 2014 by the </span><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Centers for Disease Control</a><span> suggested that 95% of US adults have detectable levels of BPA in their bodies.</span> There's evidence that this BPA exposure can make our bodies turn more calories into fat rather than muscle, and can make our fat cells larger. </p><p><span>"BPA exposure may explain nearly 2% of all obesity in 4-year-olds," Leo Trasande, a pediatrician and public-health researcher at NYU Langone Health who was not involved in the new study, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Business Insider</a>. </span><span></span></p><p>In a best case scenario, any chemicals in microplastics will simply pass through our bodies without causing damaging effects. But even if that is the case, we are not safe from the harmful effects of plastic on a larger scale.</p><h2>Chemicals from plastics are a problem on their own</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/52c48035eab8eafe677479a7-2400/43118368383ca569f63co.jpg" border="0" alt="tupperware, leftovers" data-mce-source="Flickr/Kathleen Franklin" data-link="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathycsus/4311836838/" /><p class="source"><span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathycsus/4311836838/">Flickr/Kathleen Franklin</a></span></p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Transande said that because research about the health effects of microplastics on humans is still so preliminary, it's hard to know whether the amount we're consuming is a problem.</p><p><span>"There's very little one can actually take away from this particular study," he said. "I can't tell you what these microplastics do. They may get excreted in feces, they may get absorbed into the human body."</span></p><p>But chemicals like phthalates and BPA pose a risk to people who consume food or liquid stored in plastic, regardless of whether or not they ingest any microplastics.</p><p><span>"Yes, microplastics are a rising concern for human health, but when it comes to the effects of plastics in food and in health, there already are many substantial health concerns known about the chemicals that absorb into food directly<em>,</em>" Transande said. "We really should be focusing on action to limit contact of food and water with chemicals commonly found in plastic."</span></p><p><em><strong>Read More</strong></em>: <em><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A toxic-chemicals expert is sounding the alarm about 4 cancer-linked chemicals that could be making us sicker and fatter</a></em></p><p>Transande added that he recommends people avoid dishwashing or microwaving any plastic containers, because the heat can cause toxic, endocrine-disrupting chemicals to leach out into what we eat. Opt out of plastic packaging and storage containers when possible, he said, and throw kitchen plastics away when they become etched or scratched. </p><h2>The new numbers could be low estimates</h2><p>More research on microplastics is still needed, and there are some important caveats to note about this study. For one, the researchers only estimated how many microplastics we ingest - they didn't measure the concentrations inside people's bodies. So it's possible their counts are off.</p><p>The team's totals are also not comprehensive. They did not calculate how many microplastics people take in from some common everyday foods like meat, grains, and vegetables, for example, because there isn't much information available about the microplastic concentrations in those (data is better for things like seafood and water). The studies we do have suggest foods like chicken contain <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29074893?dopt=Abstract" target="_blank" rel="noopener">detectable amounts of plastic.</a></p><p>What's more, the researchers didn't include estimates for any additional microplastics that may get added during food preparation, and they didn't consider the microplastics that might accumulate on top of food while it's sitting out waiting to be eaten either. </p><p>So the authors cautioned that, if anything, their numbers are underestimates.</p><p>In reality, our "<span>annual microplastic consumption could exceed several hundred thousand," the researchers said. </span></p><p><span>Whatever the real total is, the only way to reduce it is to produce and use less plastic overall. This would lead fewer tiny pieces of microplastic to accumulate in the environment, and would ensure that humans consume less of the toxic chemicals found in plastic products in general. </span></p><p><span>"It speaks to reducing the use of plastic materials in your daily life when it comes to contact with food, period," Transande said of the new research. "Because ultimately the reason that we're seeing microplastics in the environment is the ubiquitous use of plastics."</span></p>     <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/bpa-plastic-containers-bad-health-risks-obesity-heart-disease-diabetes-2019-2">A molecular biologist warns chemicals in plastic can seep into food and lead to major health effects like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/UCl1UZmq-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Americans eat about 200 tiny pieces of plastic every day. Too much plastic in our diets could mess with our health in mysterious and scary ways.

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c86ab5d2628983db4399222-1066/dangers of putting on makeup .jpg" border="0" alt="dangers of putting on makeup " data-mce-source="Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A makeup artist applies nail polish on a model's toes backstage during the Women's Spring/Summer 2019 fashion shows in Milan, September 21, 2018." /></div></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li>The US Food and Drug Administration <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/category/toxic-chemicals" target="_blank" rel="noopener">barely regulates the cosmetics industry</a>: just 11 ingredients are forbidden in cosmetic products in the US. In Europe, more than 1,300 compounds are barred. </li><li>The retail chain Claire's came under fire last week after asbestos, a known <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-causes-cancer-food-products-that-increase-your-cancer-risk-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancer causer</a>, was found in eye shadow and foundation sold there. </li><li>But experts say the Claire's discovery is part a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">larger issue</a>: the US beauty industry is not subject to many rules, and some of the ingredients makeup-makers use could make people sick. </li></ul><p>Dr. Shruthi Mahalingaiah used to love shopping at Sephora. She bought so much makeup, she said, that she even got "little random gifts" with her purchases.</p><p>"I had drawers full of makeup, all sorts of makeup," Mahalingaiah told Business Insider.</p><p>But today, she no longer sets foot in the store. Ever since she started studying the health effects that chemicals in cosmetics can have on people, Mahalingaiah - a<span> gynecologist at Boston Medical Center - </span>has paired her former beauty routine way down. </p><p><span>"Cosmetic molecules used in the shine or luminescence are often derivatives of PFAS and PFOAs," Mahalingaiah said. </span></p><p><span>These chemicals are endocrine disruptors, which mans they can subtly change how our bodies work by shifting the way our hormones operate. Such h</span><span>ormone disruptors have been linked to metabolism issues, low <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sperm counts</a> in men, and <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/96/6/1747/2834301" target="_blank" rel="noopener">early menopause</a> in women. They can also do long-term damage to a developing fetus, subtly reducing a baby's brain power and upping the odds of a premature birth.</span></p><p><span>PFAS chemicals are not the only problematic ingredients in makeup: </span>Asbestos, a known cancer-causer, was <a href="https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm632736.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found in Claire's eye shadows and face powder</a> last week.</p><p>"It wasn't surprising to me, because there's no regulation," <span>Mahalingaiah said. </span></p><p><span>The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to use the three Claire's products that tested positive for asbestos, but the agency has said it "does not have authority to mandate a recall."</span></p><p><span>On Tuesday, however, outgoing FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb announced that Claire's is complying with the FDA's voluntary recall request. </span></p><p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c87c1f32628981f1966c219-1009/claires voluntary recall .png" border="0" alt="claire's voluntary recall " data-mce-source="FDA" data-link="https://twitter.com/SGottliebFDA/status/1105472394607632386" /></div></div></div></span></p><p><span>But Leo Trasande, a public-health expert from NYU's Langone Health network, thinks the FDA could do a lot more to communicate the health risks of cosmetics to the public and test for dangerous compounds in makeup products.</span></p><p><span>"This is quite late in the game for FDA to rush out and insist that this is a problem," Trasande, who recently <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42202336-sicker-fatter-poorer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wrote a book</a> on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, told Business Insider.  </span><span>"They've known that this is a problem for some time. </span><span>There is no level of asbestos that is safe." </span></p><h2><span>The US hasn't enacted new cosmetics regulation in over 80 years</span></h2><p><span>The US law that regulates cosmetics - the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act - hasn't changed since it was enacted in 1938. While Europe has banned over 1,300 chemicals from the products for sale there, the US <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/guidanceregulation/lawsregulations/ucm127406.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">forbids just 11</a>. </span><span>Congress wrote drafts of new cosmetic rules in <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/2359/all-actions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2011</a> and <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/6903/all-actions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2018</a>, but neither set was enacted. </span><span></span></p><p><span>Today, lawmakers on Capitol Hill are once again discussing the potential health risks from products we're putting on our lips, eyes, and bodies. </span></p><p><span>"Cosmetics have largely fallen into a regulatory black hole," Scott Faber, the senior vice president of government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, said in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoBEfjsFmZg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sworn testimony</a> before the House <a href="https://oversight.house.gov/legislation/hearings/examining-the-public-health-risks-of-carcinogens-in-consumer-products" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Subcommittee on Economic and Consumer Policy</a> on Tuesday. "Cosmetics manufacturers do not have to register with FDA, do not have to report ingredients, do not have to report adverse events."</span></p><p><span>This is different from how the FDA treats drugs, medical devices, and food. </span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c86ab112628983d5d530002-1200/beauty products dangerous chemicals.jpg" border="0" alt="beauty products dangerous chemicals" style="color: #000000;" data-mce-source="Joe Maher/BFC/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A model has makeup applied backstage during London Fashion Week at Mary Ward House on February 17, 2018 in London, England." /></div></div></div></p><p><span>The lack of regulation essentially means that manufacturers of makeup, shampoo, lotion, and other personal-care products in the US can put almost anything they want into those items, including compounds known to raise cancer risk, like <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/coal-tar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">coal tar</a>, <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet#r2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formaldehyde</a>, and <a href="https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/productsingredients/potentialcontaminants/ucm388820.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead</a>. </span></p><p><span>To make matters murkier, producers are permitted to label their products with ingredients like "fragrance" or "parfum" instead of disclosing the specific chemicals that make up those elements of a product, since those formulations are considered trade secrets. So fragranced beauty products could easily contain a toxic compound without consumers ever knowing. </span></p><h2>How much toxin is too much?</h2><p><span><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c86ab1126289878bc0f6575-1200/chemicals in makeup.jpg" border="0" alt="chemicals in makeup" data-mce-source="Juan Mabromata/AFP/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A woman applies lipstick on International Women's day in Buenos Aires, March 8, 2019." /></div></div></div></span></p><p>Because cosmetics are designed to make people attractive to others, they often mimic one of nature's best-known phenomena: the glow women get when pregnant.</p><p>"Thick eyelashes, thick eyebrows, flushed cheeks, big lips, all of this happens under the effects of estrogen," <span>Mahalingaiah said, adding, </span>"it might be the effect a person putting on the makeup might want, but through a pathway that's maybe not the healthiest." </p><p><span>Scientists know that exposure to asbestos raises a person's cancer risk, but the effects of the hormone-disrupting chemicals that can be found in makeup aren't as clear. </span>Researchers are still trying to figure out, for example, how compounds in anti-aging products bind to the estrogen receptors in our bodies. But there are signs that women who use more cosmetics may see <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27545020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">health consequences like early menopause,</a> more <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1600-0757.2011.00407.x" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hot flashes</a>, painful cases of <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es204415a" target="_blank" rel="noopener">endometriosis</a>, and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651313002273" target="_blank" rel="noopener">long-term damage to their DNA</a>, which can <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-causes-cancer-food-products-that-increase-your-cancer-risk-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lead to cancer</a>. </p><p><span>"Why do we always need to look fertile and pregnant?" Mahalingaiah asked. </span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c8696d226289806b3067cba-1286/ap17195358229786.jpg" border="0" alt="Beyonce Pregnant" data-mce-source="Matt Sayles/AP Images" /></div></div></div></p><p><span>Research on endocrine disruptors also suggests that the chemicals could subtly <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slow down people's metabolisms and contribute to chronic health issues like obesity and infertility</a>, even in small doses. This is true for people of all ages and sexes, including unborn babies.</span><span></span></p><p>Take phthalates, for example: the ingredients that keep products like shampoo fresh.</p><p>"Phthalates disrupt the function of the male sex hormone," <span>Mahalingaiah</span> said.</p><p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25743932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Studies</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26087406" target="_blank" rel="noopener">show</a> that men exposed to high concentrations of those chemicals in the womb can have lower testicular volume, less semen, and lower semen quality than other men. </p><h2>The best solution may be to simply use fewer products</h2><p><span>Mahalingaiah said she recently performed an at-home urine test on herself, and found elevated concentrations of parabens (one of the most common <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/By_the_way_doctor_Are_parabens_dangerous" target="_blank" rel="noopener">estrogen-influencing</a> ingredients in beauty products) in her body. She also found the sunscreen ingredient <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Benzophenone-3_FactSheet.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">benzophenone-3 (BP-3)</a>, which can mess with the way hormones typically function.  </span></p><p><span>To the dismay of her three young daughters, Mahalingaiah said she threw away her 100-shade eyeshadow palettes, since</span><span> <a href="https://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2018/EM/c8em00368h#!divAbstract">PFAS chemicals</a> are often used to make those cosmetics shimmer.</span></p><p><span>Mahalingaiah now recommends that any step in a person's beauty routine that isn't obviously beneficial to their health (like putting on sunscreen) should probably be re-examined. </span></p><p><span>"My piece of advice would be thinking about why [people] think they need a lot of makeup," she said. </span><span>"People are using makeup primers, and then base coats, and then these other coats, and then the spray that locks it all in.</span><span>"</span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5c86ac5c2628980a585af4c3-1200/sparkily makeup chemicals are dangers to health.jpg" border="0" alt="sparkily makeup chemicals are dangers to health" style="color: #000000;" data-mce-source="Sergei Bobylev/TASS via Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A model gets her makeup done backstage before a catwalk show during Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, October 16, 2018." /></div></div></div></p><p><span>Each additional product a person uses could raise the risk that their endocrine system gets disrupted, she said. Even so-called "natural" beauty products, which purport to have fewer fragrances and plasticizers than others, can still masquerade as a healthier alternative with largely the same ingredients.</span></p><p><span>"How much <keyword id="41551" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="science">science</keyword> do you need, when there are known carcinogens or toxicants, to make a choice to reduce exposure?" Mahalingaiah asked. "How much data do you need?" </span></p><p><span>Still, she admits that she still falls for the shimmering, radiant formulations chemists have come up on occasion.</span></p><p><span>"I haven't thrown everything out," Mahalingaiah said. </span><span>"I just reduce the frequency of use." </span></p><p><span>Trasande said he, too, has made changes in his home because of his research findings - he has thrown out etched and scratched kitchen plastics, and he tries to circulate more fresh air through his home to clear out toxins. </span></p><p><span>Trasande suggests consumers vet their own personal care products through a database like <a href="https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EWG's Skin Deep</a></span><span>. </span></p><p><span>Once you stop using endocrine-disrupting chemicals, studies suggest concentrations of them in your body can diminish quickly. A</span><span> <a href="https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.1510514" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2016 study</a> of 100 14- to 18-year-old girls showed that when they stopped using personal-care products with ingredients like phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and BP-3, their urine concentrations of those chemicals dropped 27-45% in just three days. </span></p><p><span>Mahalingaiah said it's important for consumers to think about how to reduce their exposure: "What do you really need? Can you do with less?" she asked.</span><span></span></p><p><span>Making do with fewer products, of course, will also save you some cash.</span></p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-causes-cancer-food-products-that-increase-your-cancer-risk-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">32 of the most dangerous things science has strongly linked to cancer</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/endocrine-disruptors-dangerous-chemicals-2019-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">A toxic-chemicals expert is sounding the alarm about 4 cancer-linked chemicals that could be making us sicker and fatter</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-much-vitamin-d-do-you-need-suntanning-isnt-necessary-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">A Yale skin cancer expert says the popular notion that you need to soak up Vitamin D from the sun is a myth</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/does-baby-powder-cause-cancer-johnson-and-johnson-lawsuit-2018-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Johnson &amp; Johnson is being investigated by the SEC over fears its baby powder may cause cancer - here's how worried you should be</a></li></ul>

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Asbestos has been found in Claire's eye shadow, highlighting a disturbing 'black hole' in beauty-product safety

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