Pollution
Pollution, and in particular endocrine disruptors might caus infertility
The effects of "endocrine disruptors" on female fertility are quite controversial in the scientific community. Endocrine disruptors are found in persistent pollutants, agrochemicals and widespread industrial compounds - they are all around us but only in small concentrations. They look very much like our natural hormones, and are thought to have an effect on our reproductive systems.
Dr Donatella Caserta indicates that there is currently insufficient evidence for a clear correlation? between endocrine disruptors and fertility levels, but we suggest that you take care not to expose yourself to high concentrations until further studies are carried out.
Like all fertility aids, DuoFertility can be very useful in some cases and less so in others. Please contact our team of fertility experts if you would like some more information.
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Impact of endocrine disruptor chemicals in gynaecology. Click here to read Links
Hum Reprod Update. 2008 Jan-Feb;14(1):59-72. Epub 2007 Dec 10
Caserta D, Maranghi L, Mantovani A, Marci R, Maranghi F, Moscarini M.
Institute of Gynecology, Perinatology and Child Health, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome La Sapienza, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy.
The potential hazardous effects that estrogen- and androgen-like chemicals may have both on wildlife and human health have attracted much attention from the scientific community. Endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are chemicals that have the capacity to interfere with normal signalling systems. EDCs may mimic, block or modulate the synthesis, release, transport, metabolism and binding or elimination of natural hormone s. Even though potential EDCs may be present in the environment at only very low levels, they may still cause harmful effects, especially when several different compounds act on one target. EDCs include persistent pollutants, agrochemicals and widespread industrial compounds. Not all EDCs are man-made compounds; many plants produce substances (phytoestrogens) that can have different endocrine effects either adverse or beneficial in certain circumstances. Natural substances such as sex hormone s from urban or farm wastes can become concentrated in industrial, agricultural and urban areas; thus, such wastes may be considered potential 'EDCs' for humans and/or wildlife. Much attention has focussed on changing trends in male reproductive parameters in relation to EDC exposure; however, studies on the female reproductive system have been less comprehensive. We have focussed this article on four major aspects of female reproductive health: fertility and fecundability? , endometriosis, precocious puberty and breast and endometrial cancer.
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