Microplastics and Your Hormones: How Plastic Pollution is Affecting Fertility and What You Can Do About It

Microplastics are everywhere. They are in our oceans, our food, and even in the air we breathe. These tiny particles of plastic are having a big impact on our environment, but what about our bodies? As a sexologist, I am particularly concerned about the impact of microplastics on our hormones and fertility. In this blog post, I will explore how microplastics affect male and female hormones and fertility, and provide actionable steps you can take to reduce your exposure to microplastics.

How Microplastics Affect Hormones and Fertility:

1. Microplastics can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones in the body.
2. Exposure to microplastics has been linked to decreased sperm count and quality in men.
3. In women, exposure to microplastics has been linked to hormonal imbalances that can affect fertility.
4. Microplastics have also been found in breast milk, which can potentially affect infant development.

What You Can Do About It:

1. Reduce your use of single-use plastics such as straws, water bottles, and bags.
2. Choose natural fibers over synthetic ones when it comes to clothing and bedding.
3. Filter your tap water or use a water bottle with a built-in filter.
4. Eat a diet rich in whole foods and avoid processed foods that may contain microplastics.
5. Avoid using personal care products that contain microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles used as exfoliants in some products. Look for products that use natural alternatives like sugar or salt scrubs instead.
6. Use reusable containers for food storage instead of plastic wrap or bags.
7. Avoid using synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which shed microfibers when washed. Opt for natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool instead.
8. Wash your clothes less frequently and use a microfiber-catching laundry ball or bag when you do wash them.
9. Avoid using cleaning products that contain microplastics, such as some types of scrubbing pads and sponges.
10. Participate in beach and river cleanups to help remove plastic pollution from our waterways.
11. Support organizations that work to reduce plastic pollution and raise awareness about the issue, such as the Plastic.
12. Pollution Coalition and the Ocean Conservancy. Support policies that reduce plastic pollution and advocate for companies to use more sustainable packaging.

By taking these steps, you can help reduce your exposure to microplastics and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.

Microplastics are a pervasive problem that affects not only our environment but also our bodies. As a sexologist, I am concerned about the impact of microplastics on our hormones and fertility. However, by taking simple steps to reduce our exposure to microplastics, we can protect our health and the health of future generations. Let’s work together to reduce plastic pollution and create a healthier, more sustainable world.

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee

Dr. Martha Tara Lee has been a passionate advocate for positive sexuality since 2007. With a Doctorate in Human Sexuality and a Masters in Counseling, she launched Eros Coaching in 2009 to help individuals and couples lead self-actualised and pleasurable lives. Her expertise includes working with couples who have unconsummated marriage, individuals with sexual inhibitions and discrepancies in sexual desire, men with erection and ejaculation concerns, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and kink communities. Dr. Lee welcomes?all sexual orientations?and is available for online and face-to-face consultations. Martha speaks English and Mandarin.

She is the only certified sexuality educator by the?American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT)?in the region (as of 2011) and is also an AASECT certified sexuality educator supervisor (as of 2018). She strives to provide fun, educational, and sex-positive events and is often cited in the media including?Huffington Post,?Newsweek,?South China Morning Post,?and more. She is the appointed Resident Sexologist for?Singapore Cancer Society,?Of Noah.sg,?OfZoey.sg, and?Virtus Fertility Centre. She is the host of radio show?Eros Evolution?for OMTimes Radio. In recognition of her work, she was named one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40’ by Her World in July 2010, and one of?‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011.?She is the author of?Love, Sex and Everything In-Between?(2013),??Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between?(2015),?From Princess to Queen: Heartbreaks, Heartgasms and Everything In-Between?(2017), and?{Un}Inhihibited?(2019).

You can?read the testimonials she’s received over years here. For her full profile, click here.?Email her?here.