They say it’s a man’s world, but, unfortunately, it’s filled with sperm killers. Nasty toxins threaten male wellness every time you take a shower, go shopping or drive your car, causing low sperm counts, sperm mobility problems, and DNA sperm data mix ups. You might already know that a narrow bike seat can affect your wellbeing with erectile disfunction (ED) or that antidepressants may cause damage to your sperm DNA, but some of your seemingly normal everyday habits are silently killing off your best swimmers – so how do you sidestep this sneak-attack?
1. Till receipts: How many times in a day do you end up with a receipt in your hand? You have one from your morning coffee, your fill-up at the petrol station, that trip to the supermarket, picking up the bill at dinner and going to see that movie. We live in an increasingly consumeristic world made up of seemingly endless transactions and the problem is about 40% of receipts today are coated with the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol-A (BPA). Previously, BPA has been linked to fertility problems and heart disease, but a new study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, has just found out that higher levels of BPA in your urine lowers your sperm count and sperm quality. Until electronic receipts become the norm, turn down the receipt when you’re at the till or store it in an envelope or folder, rather than a pocket or in the wallet you’re constantly breaking open. As BPA can contaminate water and recycled-paper products, it’s better to keep them out of the recycling bin and in with the regular waste.
2. Canned food: It’s not just your receipt you have to worry about when you reach the till; it’s the tins in your shopping bag too. Food packing is believed to be the biggest source of BPA contamination, as almost all metal cans are coated with a BPA resin. This toxin leaches into your food, especially when it comes to acidic canned products, such as tomato paste or sauces. Protect yourself from tinned toxins by opting for fresh or frozen food wherever possible. You can also buy foods like pasta sauce sold in glass jars rather than cans.
3. Sex toys: I’m not going to be a massive kill-joy and order to you to send your entire stash of adult toys to the dump, but you do need to watch out for vinyl sex toys. Whether your pleasure is dildos, vibrators or male pleasure devices, you can protect yourself and your partner by avoiding these products if they contain vinyl. This type of plastic unleashes phthalates, which are plastic-softening chemicals that have been linked to cancer, allergies, birth defects, and infertility. You can still spice up your sex life by using green foreplay products made of high-quality medical silicone, or, for non-plastic pleasure, try a glass dildo.
4. The shower: Phthalates are everywhere in your shower, from scented soaps, shampoos, and cleaners to your vinyl shower curtains. Not only are you surrounded by the chemicals, but the heat from your shower makes it easier for the phthalates to be released. Make sure the products you use are simple, plant-based, unscented and free of harmful phthalate-containing products. Moreover, you should avoid buying vinyl shower curtains every month or two and instead invest in a long-lasting hemp shower curtain.
5. Heated car seats: Nothing beats a heated car seat during winter, but that luxury toastiness may come at a price: damaged sperm quality. As well as heated car seats, heating pads and prolonged time in the tub heats your testicles to the point where they produce fewer sperm. Therefore, if you’re cold in the car, ditch the direct heat and just boost the heater and let the air circulate around the vehicle.
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