Phthalates and the reproductive health of male newborns

At Viera Fertility Center, we work with couples on all aspects of fertility including male infertility treatments. And new research indicates that male infertility could be attributed to their exposure to phthalates even before birth.

According to new research, male infants whose mothers were exposed during pregnancy to chemicals called phthalates may have a greater risk of future infertility. The study found that male children of mothers who were exposed to phthalates during the first trimester of pregnancy, particularly diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) had significantly shorter anogenital distance (AGD) at birth. AGD, usually 50 to 100 percent longer in males than females, is an indicator of reproductive health.

If you’ve suffered from male infertility, it could be from factors entirely beyond your control. Contact Viera Fertility Center for assistance conceiving the baby of your dreams!

Reference:

Mount Sinai Medical Center. (2015, February 19). Exposure to low levels of common chemical (phthalates) shown to possibly affect reproductive health of male newborns. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 23, 2015 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150219084916.htm