Truths and Myths About BPA and Male Fertility

Infertility affects one in six couples trying to conceive. Of those couples trying to conceive, at least half have been associated with some form of male infertility. This means that not only does it take two to tango but, it is equally as important to optimize male fertility as it is female fertility. It is estimated that about 10% of all men in the United States who attempt to conceive will suffer from infertility. The causes of male infertility can be divided into four main areas: 

• Congenital Disorders: 

  • Congenital GnRH deficiency (Kallmann syndrome) 

  • Iron overload syndromes (hemochromatosis) 

  • Multiorgan genetic disorders (Prader-Willi syndrome, cerebellar ataxia) 

• Acquired Disorders:

  • Pituitary and hypothalamic tumors 

  • Pituitary and hypothalamic infiltrative disorders (sarcoidosis, fungal infections, etc) 

  • Head Trauma 

  • Intracranial radiation/surgery 

  • Vascular disorder (strokes, aneurysms) 

  • Hormonal (hyperprolactinemia, androgen excess, estrogen excess, cortisol excess) 

  • Drugs (Testosterone therapy, opioids and psychotropic drugs) 

• Systemic Disorders: 

  • Nutritional deficiencies 

  • Obesity 

• Testicular Defects: 

  • Congenital disorders like Klinefelter Syndrome 

  • Acquired disorders like Varicocele, infections, recreational drugs (alcohol and marijuana), as well as environmental toxins. 

  • Sexual dysfunction - infrequent vaginal intercourse, erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. 

Now although some of these conditions are unavoidable, there are many that are due to lifestyle factors. One in particular that often does not get enough attention is our exposure to environmental toxins. Not only are we exposed to an exceeding amount of environmental toxins but many of these lifestyle factors can have a direct impact on semen production. In fact, in a recent study, researchers found that between 1973 and 2011, the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate of men in western countries has steadily declined by about 1.4% each year, resulting in an overall drop of just over 52%! 

The study, which was published in a reputable journal, Human Reproduction Update drew their conclusion based on 185 different studies and involved almost 43,000 men. After accounting for factors like age and length of time since the last ejaculation, researchers found that on average sperm concentration fell from 99 million per ml in 1973 to 47.1 million per ml in 2011. Many of the men involved in this study were unaware of their infertility.  

One major contributing factor to male infertility that should always be addressed is the exposure to environmental toxins. Now although we may not be able to eliminate all of our exposure to environmental toxins, reducing our exposure to chemicals like, BPA, can be a simple but effective way to optimize male fertility. Now again, since male infertility can be multifactorial, it is highly recommended to always consult with your doctor to rule out any other possible causes contributing to your infertility. It is also the same reason at NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, we do not advocate for everyone to take “one-size-fits-all” supplements to “boost” male fertility. Instead, we want our patients to have a comprehensive evaluation and more personalized treatment options. One factor we always evaluate for is environmental toxins and exposures. 

BPA, otherwise known as Bisphenol A, is an extremely well-known and well documented endocrine disruptor. In other words, we know that BPA, as a chemical, can impact our hormones both in male and females.  BPA appears to have its strongest impact on male fertility. In vivo studies have shown that BPA exposure can have negative impacts on sperm production (spermatogenesis) and appears to disturb the connection between the brain and the testes leading to an increase in oxidative stress. 

So where are you most exposed to BPA? BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make most plastics and resins since the 1950s. It is found in most plastic containing products including food and beverage storage containers and water bottles. But, could your use of a plastic water bottle REALLY have that big of an effect on your health? The truth is, yes! In fact, many large epidemiological studies have revealed that more than 90% of the population in western countries display detectable levels of BPA in their urine. That’s right. So, although you might not think your exposure is having an impact, BPA is being absorbed by the body and can negatively impact our health. 

BPA also has a unique function in that it is considered a xenoestrogen. In other words BPA can mimic the functions of estrogen (specifically 17-β-estradiol-E2). This endocrine disrupting chemical raises particular concern not only in reproductive disorders like male infertility but, has the potential of being associated with other conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Now although BPA doesn’t appear to cause direct oxidative damage, it appears to lead to cellular changes that can increase lipid peroxidation and free radicals, which in turn, have been seen to cause oxidative stress. 

So, now that you understand the impact that BPA has on male infertility, what can be done to eliminate your exposure and is ditching plastic waters the simple solution? 

I’m so glad you asked. 

Now although reducing your exposure to BPA containing products must be a priority, BPA is unfortunately found just about everywhere so it can be challenging to eliminate it completely. At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, not only are we helping patients avoid their exposure to BPA and BPA like products (BPA-free plastics aren’t much safer), we also specifically focus on optimizing your fertility as a couple  by reducing your oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been directly linked to both male and female infertility. Since BPA has been documented to increase oxidative stress, one important strategy we focus on is by using lifestyle, diet and supplements to reduce oxidative stress and improve your antioxidant capacity. Some commonly used antioxidants that have been researched most frequently in the last decade include melatonin, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10. 

Melatonin 

Melatonin is a naturally released hormone that is truly known as a neurohormone for it’s impact on sleep, however, it is also an important free radical scavenger with significant antioxidant activity and has been found to reduce mitochondrial lipid peroxidase levels commonly associated with BPA exposure. Although supplementation may be helpful, proper sleep hygiene and high quality sleep should be a number one priority for all men trying to conceive. If your male partner is staying up late, struggling with sleep disorders or always waking up unrefreshed, it’s time we address his sleep. Although proper sleep hygiene and high quality sleep may seem limited in the modern world we live in, if you are trying to conceive, sleep has to be a priority. Addressing sleep disorders like sleep apnea are an important factor to address in order to boost testosterone and sperm production. This is where simply taking a melatonin supplement without first getting to the root cause of your sleep disorder is not only unhelpful but, it can be a waste of money. Since sleep is imperative for testosterone production many men who experience erectile dysfunction disorders, or low libido often present with poor sleep. 

Vitamin C 

Although most commonly known to combat colds and flus, Vitamin C is an important antioxidant often considered for reducing oxidative stress. But, before you go adding Vitamin C to your online cart, the research isn’t so sure vitamin C is the best way to combat BPA exposure. Vitamin B8, folate, on the other hand, has been seen to reduce testicular toxicity induced by BPA and may be a better option. 

Cordyceps militaris

Cordyceps, a medicinal fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains particular components that appear to have antioxidant effects and have been found to improve sperm count and motility in rats exposed to BPA. Although human trials are still needed, this preclinical data does shield some light on the possible uses of medicinal plants and other natural extracts. 

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, commonly known as CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant naturally produced by the body. Your cells use CoQ10 for both growth and maintenance and appear to naturally decline with age. Low levels of CoQ10 have been associated with infertility in both men and women and can reduce egg and sperm quality. Adequate levels of CoQ10 are necessary for reproduction. Researchers using preclinical data also found that CoQ10 could improve or reverse multiple types of damage caused by BPA. In this study, worms treated with CoQ10 had lower rates of egg cell death, fewer double strand DNA breaks and fewer chromosome abnormalities during cell division. They also appear to have lower levels of oxidative stress in egg cells. Asking your doctor to test your CoQ10 levels is often a good right step. If you are currently on stains for high cholesterol, including atorvastatin (Lipitor), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol or simvastatin (Zocor), these medications are known to reduce your CoQ10 levels. At NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, all patients on statin medications are evaluated for CoQ10 deficiencies and proper supplementation may be provided.

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About the Author: Meet Dr. ZenAlissia Zenhausern- Pfeiffer, NMD, FABNE, (commonly known by her patients as Dr. Zen), is a licensed naturopathic doctor board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and the founder of NMD Wellness of Scottsdale, a premier naturopathic medical practice that focuses on helping women to take a proactive approach to their hormone and fertility health. Dr. Zen has been featured as a lead expert in Forbes, Shape Magazine, and Instyle and is deeply passionate about bridging the gap between traditional and natural medicine in the world of fertility. She works with a variety of hormone related issues including PCOS, endometriosis and unexplained infertility. Her goal is to help more women get back into the driver’s seat of their own health to make lasting transformational changes to their health to bring more cute and adorable babies into this world. Read More About Dr. Zen...