Most of us use plastic bottles to store water. But did you know that your favorite water bottle you carry around could affect your fertility? Yes, according to a recent research on the effects of a common component in plastic bottles – bisphenol A or BPA, on a woman’s body has found that the compound could damage developing ovaries.
The study, started by Jodi Flaws, a bioscientist at the University of Illinois, a few years ago was started out of curiosity. Although bisphenol was known to affect a woman’s fertility, the exact method of its working was not known. Therefore Dr Flaws started experimenting the effect of bisphenol on female mice.
She found that on being dosed with the same amount of bisphenol that is commonly found in females in the US, the mice had fewer and smaller follicles than those that were not. Further analysis showed that estradiol, the sex hormone essential for normal reproductive development, was not being produced at normal levels. BPA was found to be responsible for hampering the production of such hormones. Another study also found that after a period of time the mice stopped producing viable eggs at an abnormally young age.
But this research is not significant in mice only. Further studies found that BPA had the same effect in a wide range of animals including mammals like sheep, monkeys and humans. In an statement Dr Flaws said, ‘I think most scientists working today agree that BPA is an ovarian toxicant,’ a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that ovarian toxicity is among the most consistent and strongest effects found ‘in both animal models and in women.’
What is BPA and why is it harmful?
BPA or bisphenol A, was discovered in the late 19th century, and came into wide commercial use in the mid-20th century. Being one of the most essential ingredients in the production of products like polycarbonate plastics, thermal coatings, etc. which are commonly found in plastic water bottles, cash register receipts and protective linings in cans and pipes.
The compound was not considered harmful for health till the late 1990s, when researchers first reported that it appeared to disrupt normal hormone function. This worry led to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to ban it its use in the manufacturing of baby products like bottles. But, this compound is still commonly used in various other products as it is very difficult to find a substitute.
How is it harmful?
- BPA interferes with enzymes essential in the production of estradiol, the sex hormone essential for normal reproductive development.
- Research fuels concern among scientists that childhood exposure to BPA may well contribute to female infertility, and that adult exposure may result in a shorter reproductive life span.
How does it affect your health?
While the exact effect BPA has on the human body is still debatable, a number of stories have conclusively found that the chemical has an adverse effect on the working of the ovaries. According to Patricia Hunt, a genetics professor at Washington State University, while the reasons for the rising rate of infertility in women could be a host of environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors, but scientist are keen to know if BPA played a considerable role in leading to infertility.
According to Dr Hunt’s research in monkeys, she found that when pregnant monkeys were exposed to BPA in the second and third trimester the compound showed an effect on developing ovaries. BPA was also found to affect follicles and oocytes (the germ cells that develop into eggs). After the research it was found that a similar effect could also be seen in human females as well. In a recent Harward University study, they found that eight percent of the women undergoing IVF treatment at their facility tested positive for the presence of BPA in their urine. Higher BPA levels were linked to a reduced number of follicles – and therefore fewer fertile eggs. As advice, Dr Woodruff says that it is best that people avoid the compound when possible.
Source:wwwthehealthsite.com
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