Сайт male fertility crisis is a phenomenon of which many are already aware. While its cause(s) are not well understood, exposure to эндокринные разрушители appears to play a role. The public lexicon now includes a class of endocrine disruptors called PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly found in nonstick cookware. While some online influencers urge in no uncertain terms, “THROW YOUR NONSTICK PANS AWAY,” in this article we cut through the confusion and separate fact from fiction on the connection (or not) between nonstick pans and male fertility.
The male fertility crisis
Male fertility is measured through sperm count, quality, and motility (i.e., the ability to move normally; normal sperm movement is key to being in the right place at the right time for successful conception). Тестостерон is the primary male reproductive hormone, and testosterone levels impact sperm quality. Researchers worldwide have found that testosterone levels and sperm count and quality have decreased in recent decades, at the same time as subfertility (i.e., the decreased ability to conceive, for a woman, or to impregnate, for a man) has risen. (Note: When looking at male fertility, it is important to note that subfertility does not necessarily mean вfertility. For more on the nuances of treating male infertility, check out this episode of The Natural Womanhood Podcast.)
Testicular cancer (another disease on the rise) is also a known contributor to subfertility or infertility, although recent исследование indicates that testicular cancer may have a more complicated relationship with subfertility and infertility than previously thought: Both subfertility and testicular cancer may be caused by exposure to the same substances [1].
Exposure to artificial estrogens (i.e., estrogens that are not made naturally by the body) skews the natural balance between testosterone and estrogen. This is особенно critical in the male reproductive system (more on this below). When men are exposed to artificial estrogens, they may be at a higher risk for оба subfertility and testicular cancer. Some artificial estrogens influencing the male fertility crisis may include hormonal contraception, phthalates, BPA, and, in much of our cookware, PFAS. PFAS, in particular, have been linked with changes in reproductive hormone levels in male humans and rats, including raised estrogen levels and lowered testosterone levels.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are a type of эндокринный разрушитель, a class of man-made chemicals that negatively affect the endocrine (hormone) system of humans and animals. Because our hormones travel all over our bodies, disruptions to the endocrine system can lead to systemic health concerns.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to degradation. They are found in clothing, carpets, food packaging, furniture, drinking water, and Teflon cookware. PFAS can also be an occupational hazard, as they are part of turnout gear for firefighters (who, not coincidentally, are at substantially higher risk of six kinds of cancer, including testicular cancer) and in fire retardant foams. PFAS are also responsible for the “nonstick” and stain resistant qualities in nonstick cookware. There is growing awareness in the medical community of PFAS’ association with повышенный риск of cancer, autoimmune disorders, liver disease, и male and female infertility [1].
How bad are the PFAS found in nonstick cookware for male fertility?
PFAS are particularly concerning because of their long “half-life” in humans, meaning they stick around longer in the body than other chemicals. As this 2021 research review discusses, human males have been found to retain more PFAS in their system than females [1]. (Even though males retain more PFAS in their system than females, women—especially expectant mothers or those trying to get pregnant—should minimize their level of PFAS exposure. This is because the same 2021 review also found that fetal exposure to PFAS, particularly that of male infants, increased their risk for infertility in adulthood [1].)
Even though males retain more PFAS in their system than females, women—especially expectant mothers or those trying to get pregnant—should minimize their level of PFAS exposure. This is because the same 2021 review also found that fetal exposure to PFAS, particularly that of male infants, increased their risk for infertility in adulthood.
An important note in the discussion of nonstick cookware specifically is that nonstick pans are not the only source of PFAS exposure. In fact, nonstick pans may have a ниже PFAS exposure risk than some of the other sources of PFAS previously mentioned, such as food packaging and drinking water, from which you may more directly ingest PFAS. When used according to their instructions, there is little to no evidence that the PFAS from the cookware migrate into our food, according to a press officer from the FDA.
What do we still not know about the connection between nonstick cookware and male fertility?
We know that PFAS are harmful chemicals that we are exposed to daily from multiple sources. What is not yet known is from which sources and at what point the level of exposure begins to pose a serious risk. Исследование is currently inconclusive in these areas, as outcomes and health risks vary from study to study [1]. More research needs to be conducted to determine which PFAS sources yield the highest risk, plus how great the risk is from various kinds of endocrine disruptors (not just PFAS).
What cookware is for sure safe to use?
If you currently have an abundance of nonstick cookware in your home and don’t want to replace your cooking tools, know that, as mentioned previously, nonstick cookware is currently believed to have lower PFAS exposure than other sources. Here are some tips for minimizing your PFA exposure while still using your nonstick cookware:
- Avoid cooking with metal utensils on your nonstick pans, since scratching the coating could expose you to more PFAS.
- Don’t broil or cook with your nonstick pans at temperatures above 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Don’t preheat nonstick pans.
If you have decided that replacing your nonstick cookware is the right move for you, there are several alternative options including ceramic, carbon-steel, stainless steel, or cast-iron pans.
If you have decided that replacing your nonstick cookware is the right move for you, there are several alternative options including ceramic, carbon-steel, stainless steel, or cast-iron pans.
The bottom line on nonstick cookware and male fertility
There is a growing awareness of how PFAS exposure negatively affects male fertility. Men and women alike are exposed to PFAS from multiple sources daily; one such source could be nonstick pans. If you use nonstick pans, you can choose to replace them to eliminate that source of exposure, or practice safe cooking protocols such as avoiding high temperatures and using metal utensils while cooking with these pans.
Ultimately, though, is nonstick cookware to blame for suboptimal male fertility? Current research suggests that it may cause less exposure than other sources, such as vinyl flooring or food packaging. These sources put you in direct contact with PFAS. If you are concerned about your level of PFAS exposure, you may want to start by reducing the amount of plastic food packaging used in your home, filtering your water, and, if possible, replacing your vinyl flooring with hardwood.
For those struggling with male factor infertility, we have previously written on effective, respectful, natural treatments for male infertility. While more research is needed to fully understand all of the causes of male infertility, good health care is available, and you can start making healthier choices and developing better habits today.
