Warning! BPA in Plastics May Cause Erectile Dysfunction

By Dr.Kristie

There’s increasing concern about the health risks of BPA or bisphenol-A – a chemical found in many plastic products, baby bottles, and the lining of metal cans. Some experts are urging consumers to stop using plastic containers for food storage and to choose BPA free baby bottles since children may be particularly susceptible to the effects of bisphenol-A. Now, a study out of China shows that men, too, should be aware of BPA health risks. According to this new research, high levels of bisphenol-A can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Health Effects of BPA: A Study
In this study which was published in the Human Reproduction Journal, researchers followed 634 Chinese factory workers for five years who were exposed to BPA on a daily basis through their jobs. In addition to measuring the BPA exposure, they also monitored them for sex related problems including erectile dysfunction. A control group of factory workers was also followed who weren’t exposed to BPA and who otherwise had similar characteristics to the BPA workers. The results? The workers exposed to BPA had a seven times increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction compared to the workers not exposed to it. Not only that, but they also had four times higher risk of having an unsatisfying sex life due to decreased sexual desire.


BPA Health Risks: Is It a Threat to Sexual Function?
It’s important to keep in mind that these workers were exposed to higher levels of BPA than most men would get on regular basis, so the risk from exposure to plastic products would probably be much lower; but it does show the potential health effects of BPA. With BPA being so commonly found in household and food storage products, most people are getting more exposure than they realize.


Health Effects of BPA: Much is Still Unknown
A 1995 CDC study found that BPA was detectable in the bloodstreams of 95% of people; and the long term health effects of BPA in the body aren’t completely known. Researchers believe that BPA mimics the effects of hormones such as estrogen in the body and can cause problems with fertility. It may also increase the risk of certain types of cancer – particularly breast and prostate cancer. This is particularly disturbing since it’s estimated that one in six men will get prostate cancer at some point in their life, and one in eight women will get breast cancer.

Health Risks of BPA: The Bottom Line?
No one is sure what the long term health effects of BPA at low levels really are. The best approach may be to limit exposure to products containing BPA by switching to glass storage containers, glass baby bottles, and stainless steel drinking bottles. Since BPA is used in the lining of metal cans, buying fresh or frozen produce is safer. Before purchasing any product made of plastic, check with the manufacturer and make sure it’s BPA free. The less BPA you and your family are exposed to, the better.


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