Taking Charge of Your Health: Sperm Quality and EDC Exposure

Article Author: Rahul Rajendran, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Major, Class of 2027, Science Coordinator

Movember is here—a month when men grow out their mustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including concerns about sperm health. While women have historically been blamed for reproductive health issues, the role of male sperm quality is equally important and deserves attention. In her book Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race, Dr. Shanna H. Swan, an environmental and reproductive epidemiologist, highlights alarming findings from her own major study. Over the four decades leading up to 2017, sperm counts in men from Western countries declined by 50%, with reproductive development deteriorating at a rate of 1% per year. Even more alarming are her updated findings from 2022, showing that since 2000, sperm counts have declined at more than double that rate. Given the harrowing implications for the future of reproduction, it’s essential to examine the factors that threaten sperm quality and viability.

One major culprit in this decline? Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—compounds found in everyday products like plastics, pesticides, and personal care items that interfere with hormone production and function. EDCs directly impact sperm quality, count, and overall male health, highlighting an urgent need for awareness and action. For example, pesticides used to produce food and ingredients are often a source of EDCs. We are also exposed to other EDCs like phthalates and bisphenols through our consistent use of plastics. Phthalates, for example, have been shown to reduce testosterone levels and further contribute to declining sperm quality. Additionally, personal care products are another major source of exposure to phthalates (commonly used in fragrances) and parabens (used as preservatives). Reducing our exposure to these chemicals is crucial for protecting sperm quality and count. For further details and information on EDCs, their sources, and their impact on sperm, I highly recommend reading Count Down by Dr. Shanna Swan!

Though we are constantly exposed to EDCs, our levels of exposure can vary depending on lifestyle choices and habits. As mentioned, plastics are a major source of EDC exposure since they’re used in so many everyday items, particularly in packaging. To reduce exposure, research recommends opting for stainless steel and glass alternatives to avoid the leaching of harmful chemicals into food and drinks. Pesticides, prevalent in produce and textiles, are another significant source; choosing USDA-certified organic produce can help minimize pesticide residues. As for cosmetics and personal care products, choosing fragrance and paraben-free alternatives as well as avoiding ingredients found on the Chemical List of Concerns from the Protect our Breasts website, can help minimize exposures as well. For more information on how to reduce exposure to EDCs and join the fight against global sperm decline, follow Protect Our Breasts on Instagram. POB strives to equip people with the knowledge to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals in our environment. By sharing this knowledge, we aim to raise awareness of critical issues in preventive health and chemical exposure awareness, empowering everyone to make safer, healthier choices together.

Citations

Agricultural Marketing Service, U. S. D. of A. (2023). Pesticide Data Program Database. https://apps.ams.usda.gov/PDP/Lookups/PesticideHist.

Alp, A. C., & Yerlikaya, P. (2019). Phthalate ester migration into food: Effect of packaging material and Time. European Food Research and Technology, 246(3), 425–435. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-019-03412-y

FDA. (2022, May 19). Phthalates in cosmetics. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/phthalates-cosmetics

Gates, Z. M. (2024, August 5). Phthalates. UC Food Quality. https://ucfoodquality.ucdavis.edu/chemical-contaminants/phthalatesSwan, S. H., & Colino, S. (2022). Count Down: How our modern world is threatening sperm counts, altering male and female reproductive development, and imperiling the future of the human race. Scribner.

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