ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS AND REDUCED FERTILITY

For many years we have observed that fertility is declining in both sexes.

One of the reasons for this is frequent contact with environmental toxins such as hydrogen chloride (insecticides, pesticides, plastics, fertilisers and solvents) and heavy metals (lead). Even though some of these dangerous substances (such as lindane and DDT) have been banned in Austria for many years, they come back to us through the global food trade, clothing, paint and furniture.

The molecules that make up these chemical compounds can mimic hormones (fake hormones), that is, they attach onto the hormone receptors in the body and since the body does not recognise them as foreign, they can influence the hormonal balance. As a result, the male body feminises and fertility is reduced. Since the effects of environmental toxins have on our bodies have not yet been fully researched, it is advisable to largely avoid plastic when planning to have a baby.

Many women ingest environmental toxins such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) through food. PCB can cause fertility disorders and significantly reduce the success rate of IVF. PCB has been banned worldwide since 2011, but unfortunately toxic chlorine compounds have already spread all over the world. They can be detected in the air as well as the ground and water. The PCB concentrations are highest in fish and fish meal (beware of contaminated omega 3 fatty acid capsules!). Most PCBs and dioxins are absorbed through animal fats.