For a long time many people have been concerned about harmful chemicals found in products we use on a daily basis such as our food, cleaning products and personal care items. Some of these chemicals are known to be potentially carcinogenic and / or hormone disruptors, but manufacturers argue that they are used in such small quantities they are harmless. Many scientists and CAM practitioners believe the biggest problem is the interaction these chemicals have with each other: potentially a chemical cocktail time bomb causing all sorts of problems for both the individual and the environment.
One of Britain’s leading reproductive biologists, Professor Richard Sharpe, says these ‘everyday’ chemicals are leading to an increase in birth defects, testicular cancer and falling sperm counts.
As the foetus is so vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals, Professor Sharpe is warning pregnant women to make lifestyle changes that will reduce the risk of chemical damage to their unborn child.
7 per cent of British boys are born with partially descended testes; seven in 1000 with malformed genitals; one in six men in the UK has a low sperm count and will struggle to father a child; and testicular cancer cases among men in their 20s and 30s has been doubling every 25 years.
The message is clear: AVOID CHEMICALS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN YOUR FOOD, MAKE-UP, PERSONAL CARE AND CLEANING MATERIALS.
4 Comments
One in a 1000 men also have a genetic disorder called Congenital Bilateral Absence of the Vas Deferns (CBAVD). Basically the tubes that transport semen from the testes to the penis do not develop and sperm will not be present in a semen samplet
There is also a 2 in 3 chance that the man will be carrying the Cystic Fibrosis Gene. This can be detected by a blood test. The blood test is very complex and only available privately at a cost of approximately £180. Before considering IVF, it is recommended that both partners have this blood test; if both carry this gene, the chances of having a CF child are increased.
If pregnancy does not occur within 6 months of trying to conceive, consult your GP for further investigation. Sperm can be extracted by percutaneous epididymal aspiration (PESA) under local anaesthetic. It is better to find out sooner than later.
Thank you Sharon. That is a very interesting piece of information. It is a shame that such tests are only available privately, but it certainly would make sense to have the test before considering IVF if there is such a strong link between infertilioty and Cystic Fibrosis.
[…] There are more infertile couples out there than you probably realise. And infertility affects both women and men, yet it is quite popular for people to associate any reproductive issues or fertility problems with the female. Men have the same rate of infertility as women do. Infertility is a result of many things. Some even believe living an eco-friendly life can boost your fertility because the chemicals in products contribute to health problems. […]
[…] And importantly, not only is switching to greener cleaning products in not only good for the environment, it is also good for our health. […]