November Men’s Health Spotlight: The Link Between Prenatal Chemical Exposures and Testicular Cancer

Article Author: William Abange, Psychology Major & Pre Med Track, Class of 2025, Science Coordinator

Did you know that exposure to endocrine disruptors while a fetus is in utero can lead to Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS) including the potential for Testicular Cancer? Raising awareness on this topic can empower mothers to understand how toxic chemicals they are exposed to during pregnancy, such as phthalates and bisphenols, are contributing to these issues. 

Here’s a little bit of science: the Masculinization Programming Window (MPW) occurs between 8 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, when male fetuses undergo key stages of reproductive development. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, have been consistently shown to cause fetal exposure. Specifically, exposure to EDCs during this period reduces the amount of androgen action (hormones responsible for the development of masculine characteristics). When these hormones are disrupted, the male reproductive tract can be adversely impacted. This may result in TDS, which encompasses a variety of disorders, including testicular cancer, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), hypospadias (unusual urethral opening) and reduced sperm count/quality – all of which can have a profound impact on males later in life.

Protect Our Breasts is dedicated to spreading awareness about harmful chemicals in packaging and everyday products, which can affect us and future generations permanently. By sharing this knowledge, we can empower mothers, families, and communities to make safer choices by reducing exposure to harmful EDCs. Small changes, like avoiding personal care products with fragrances or not microwaving plastic containers/tableware that could contain phthalates can make a big difference in protecting one’s future health. Together, we can take steps to limit harmful exposures and prioritize health for everyone.

Citations

Jensen, T. K. (2019). Endocrine disruptors, semen quality and anogenital distance. Current Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research, 7, 34–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coemr.2019.06.009

Tsutida, C. A., Veiga, A. C. B., Martino-Andrade, A. J., Andrade, D. P. de, Mello, R. G., & Müller, J. C. (2023). Association between Late Manifestations of Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome and Anogenital Distance: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 16(3), 174. https://doi.org/10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_44_23

Sharpe, R. M. (2020). Androgens and the masculinization programming window: Human–rodent differences. Biochemical Society Transactions, 48(4), 1725–1735. https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20200200

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