Researchers reveal how BPA, an endocrine disruptor, affects men’s reproductive system and fertility.
- Studies have found notable associations between high BPA exposure and a negative effect on male fertility.
- BPA is an endocrine disruptor.
- When the level of exposure to BPA is high there can be a real effect on the quality of sperm and testicular functions.
It was known that endocrine disruptors can trigger the appearance and development of various health problems. Scientists have examined the effect of one of them, bisphenol A (BPA) on male fertility.
The result of their work was published in theInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Endocrine disruptors are harmful to health and fertility
BPA is one of the endocrine disruptors, those harmful man-made substances found in pesticides, metals, and additives or contaminants in food and care products. It is widely used for the production of resins, polyesters and plastics and people can be exposed to it through ingestion, inhalation and skin contact.
The danger of endocrine disruptors lies in the fact that these substances are capable of interfering with the biosynthesis, secretion, transport, binding or elimination of hormones inside the body and have damaging effects on the whole body.
By compiling several studies on the subject between September 2022 and January 2023, researchers found that BPA affects the male reproductive system by causing poor sperm quality. This can then hinder fertility.
What are the effects of exposure to BPA on human male fertility?
Indeed, BPA disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, which allows the spermatogenesis, that is, the production of sperm. The chemical also damages sperm by increasing oxidative stress, a major factor of male infertility.
In addition, the endocrine disruptor acts as an antagonist of the thyroid hormone receptor, which prevents the normal activity of thyroid hormones, yet essential to produce the right quantity and quality of sperm necessary for reproduction.
The analysis reveals, however, that only exposure to a high level of BPA can have a negative effect on male fertility.
