Endocrine disruptors and infertility

For about twenty years, an increasing amount of clinical, epidemiological, and experimental work has confirmed the impact of environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) on the reduction of male and female fertility.

What are endocrine disruptors?

In everyday life, we use many products that have become essential. However, scientific evidence has shown that some of these exogenous chemical substances can have harmful effects on the hormonal system of the human body. These chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system are known as endocrine disruptors or EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals).

EEDs are found in both natural and synthetic products, and they generally enter the body through inhalation, diet, or direct contact. Here are some examples of endocrine disruptors:

• household insecticides such as parathion or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT)
• Bisphenol-A (BPA): found in certain food storage containers and used in the manufacture of some plastics. 
• Parabens: present in many products (food, cosmetics, etc.).
• Phthalates: used in the manufacture of plastics to make them flexible.
• Some components of UV filters in creams, for example, 3-benzophenone.
• Triclosan: present in some antimicrobial and personal care products.
   

Are the effects of EEDs cumulative and reversible?

One of the most concerning aspects of EEDs is precisely their secondary effects, which are irreversible and cumulative, meaning they are passed on to future generations. Prenatal exposure poses a real risk to future generations, supporting the hypothesis of a multi- and trans-generational effect of the impact of EEDs.

How do endocrine disruptors act?

What about the effects of EEDs on hormonal functioning? It has recently been found that EEDs can:

• bind to the hormonal receptor (agonist effect) or oppose the binding of an endogenous hormone to its receptor (antagonist effect) or even modify the expression of a hormonal receptor;
• interact with signaling pathways in the transduction of hormonal messages, modify hormonal synthesis, interact with the transporter of the endogenous hormone, modulate the clearance of the endogenous hormone, and alter the distribution of the hormone in target cells;
• induce epigenetic alterations;
• regulate cell differentiation and growth.

In men, EEDs have been associated with undescended testicles, poor sperm quality, increased DNA damage in sperm, and alterations in testicular morphology.

In women, EEDs could be responsible for longer menstrual cycles or accelerated menopause, among other issues. Furthermore, scientific studies suggest they are linked to certain conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and breast cancer. EEDs may not only affect fertility but also pregnancy, leading to an increased risk of miscarriage and a higher rate of ectopic pregnancies.

VOCs and their harmful effects on the embryo.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are substances consisting of at least one carbon atom and one hydrogen atom. They are found in a gaseous state in the atmosphere. Several of these compounds participate in photochemical reactions responsible for the formation of tropospheric ozone. Others, such as benzene and formaldehyde, are also considered toxic and can have health effects.

Direct exposure of embryos to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in an IVF laboratory presents a particular and potentially greater risk than the impact of endocrine disruptors in a home environment. IVF laboratories are meticulously controlled environments aimed at providing optimal conditions for embryo development. However, if VOCs are present in the laboratory air, embryos can be directly exposed during crucial stages of their development. 

IVF laboratories must adhere to strict air quality standards to ensure high success rates and provide the embryo with optimal development in a healthy environment. This underscores the crucial importance of maintaining air quality standards in fertility clinics and IVF laboratories.

NatuVitro's commitment to combating endocrine disruptors within its laboratory.

NatuVitro is committed to prioritizing the well-being of embryos during fertility treatments. That is why we have made significant investments in the most advanced air filtration system in Europe. Our state-of-the-art laboratory ensures that everything within it is certified VOC-free, making NatuVitro the only laboratory in Spain to hold this prestigious certification. By eliminating volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we guarantee a healthy environment for embryo development, free from potential contaminants that could compromise their growth.

At NatuVitro, we understand the importance of these latest procedures, and our commitment to a VOC-free environment underscores our unwavering dedication to providing embryos with the healthiest and most favorable conditions for their growth and ultimate success.

For more details on IVF: in vitro fertilization, please refer to the treatment section.