Whilst it is very overwhelming, it is important to be aware of BPA and it's harmful effects because of the impact it can have on your fertility. It is important to limit your exposure to this chemical when trying to conceive as well as in pregnancy as it can be found in the amniotic fluid and can negatively effect the development of a growing fetus and can cause miscarriage.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a man-made compound used in polycarbonate (hard) plastics and epoxy resins including plastic packaging such as water bottles & food containers, canned food linings, household equipment, toys and so much more. It has been used for 50+ years in consumer products and until only recently this chemical has started being removed from items due to the harm it can cause. It was even used in pre 2012 baby bottles which has since been banned!
So why is so BPA bad? Research shows exposure to BPA is linked with fertility problems, male impotence, birth defects including fetal brain development, heart disease, cancers including breast & prostate as well as asthma and type 2 diabetes.
What does BPA do exactly?
The chemicals in BPA mimic and interfere with hormones our bodies produce. This is dangerous because it is an endocrine disruptor meaning it disrupts the hormones your body naturally produces, it tricks your body into thinking it is producing something when it is not. There are many ways it can affect the hormonal system. In the case of fertility, the chemicals act like an artificial estrogen, BPA binds to hormonal receptors and interferes with the function of reproductive hormones like estrogen and testosterone. As an estrogenic compound, BPA has been linked to many reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility, endometriosis, and thyroid disease, as shown in this study.
BPA & Fertility
The hormonal impact of BPA was proven in this Harvard university study to play a role in 20% of unexplained infertility cases. Whilst this may seem low, it is proven to affect the maturation of eggs in females. The lead researcher of this study concluded;
"Exposure of eggs to BPA decreased the percentage of eggs that matured and increased the percentage of eggs that degenerated,".
BPA increased the number of eggs that underwent an abnormal process called "spontaneous activation". This makes eggs act as if they have been fertilized when in fact they haven't been causing eggs to mature abnormally causing infertility and birth defects such as down syndrome. It really is shocking how much of an impact this chemical can have on our reproductive systems and why more needs to be done to reduce our exposure to it.
Another study looking at women undergoing IVF found that the higher the BPA level exposure, the lower a female's peak estradiol levels were, resulting in fewer eggs being retrieved in women with higher BPA levels. Whilst further research shows a link between this harmful chemical and embryo implantation as well as chromosomal function within eggs, leading to miscarriage.
8 Tips to Reduce BPA Exposure
Limiting BPA exposure will improve your fertility, increase your chances of conception and a healthy baby. Here are 10 simple tips to implement in your daily life;
1) Switch to a glass or stainless steel water bottle - most bottles will advertise they are BPA free so check the label and re-fill your bottle. There are lots of great options available, I personally like this one.
2) Switch your disposable coffee cup for a reusable glass keep cup. Added bonuses are it is kinder to the environment and your purse as many coffee shops offer a discount on hot drinks when using your own cup (Starbucks, Pret, Nero - ask your local coffee shop to find out).
3) Do not store food and leftovers in plastic containers . Instead invest in a stainless steel lunch box (I recently bought this one) or store leftover food in a glass container like these.
4) If you absolutely must use a plastic container read the label and avoid polycarbonate (labeled with a ‘7’), which is found in many hard, reusable plastic containers.
5) Avoid heating plastic containers containing food and liquids. BPA can transfer to your food when heated! I advise against microwaves and re-heating food in general due to the impact this has on nutrients.
6) Limit canned food by switching to fresh or frozen foods instead.
7) Eat less takeaways, as many take out containers contain BPA, plus having less take outs is beneficial for your fertility friendly diet.
8) Use baby bottles that are BPA free, check the labels!
Overall by limiting how many packaged foods you are eating and being more mindful of you eat and drink from you can significantly reduce your exposure to BPA. There is ALOT you can do to reduce the harmful effects of BPA and the negative impact on your fertile health.
If you have found this article helpful I would love to hear from you on email fertilityism@gmail.com or instagram @fertilityism.
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Lisa x