Bisphenols are a group of chemicals used in some plastics, food packaging, and epoxy resins. BPA is the best-known, but it isn’t the only bisphenol we can be exposed to.
The concern is that bisphenols can interact with the body’s hormone systems. And this matters for fertility. A growing body of research has associated exposure to bisphenols with reproductive dysfunction, reduced fertility, miscarriage, changes in reproductive hormones, and adverse pregnancy and developmental outcomes in both males and females.
This doesn’t mean that every exposure will affect fertility or that you need to eliminate every piece of plastic from your life. Exposure is widespread and nearly impossible to avoid completely. Instead, I focus on reducing the exposures that are easiest to control.
Simple ways to reduce your exposure
- Choose glass or stainless steel for food storage. These are great alternatives for storing leftovers, beverages, and prepared foods.
- Avoid heating food in plastic. Heat can increase the migration of chemicals from some plastic containers into food. Transfer food to glass or ceramic before heating.
- Don’t leave plastic containers or water bottles sitting in a hot car or direct sun. Keep food and beverages away from heat as much as possible.
- Use fewer canned foods when possible. Some cans have epoxy resin linings that can contain bisphenols. Choose fresh, frozen, or packaged alternatives when possible.
- Don’t obsess over eliminating every plastic item. Your goal isn’t perfection. Small, consistent changes can help reduce your overall exposure to environmental chemicals.
When you’re trying to conceive, I look at environmental exposures as one piece of a much bigger picture that also includes nutrition, blood sugar regulation, nutrient status, mitochondrial health, hormones, and both partners’ reproductive health.
References: PMID: 31573832, 25775505, 32092919, 31238688, 30333523, 30793551, 31231671, 27472198, 29982563
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please work with your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare plan, particularly if you are pregnant, undergoing fertility treatment, taking medication, or managing a medical condition. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition.