Phthalates and Male Infertility

Phthalates and Male Infertility

A recent study found that male children of mothers who were exposed to even low levels of phthalates, particularly diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had significantly shorter anogenital distance (AGD) at birth.  AGD is an indicator of reproductive health.  Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. People are exposed to phthalates by eating and drinking foods that have been in contact with containers and products containing phthalates and women are particularly exposed through personal care products like shampoo, conditioners, soaps and cosmetics.

Limiting exposure to phthalates is important as well as optimizing liver metabolism to break down phthalates into waste that can be excreted in the urine.

Source: Hum. Reprod. (2015)doi: 10.1093/humrep/deu363