Studies Find Link between BPA and Erectile Dysfunction.

Environmental groups have been concerned about the health effects of plastic chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) on human health. Calls have been high for a ban on such chemicals because of their detrimental effects on human health. Now, a new study shows that these plastics may have a negative effect on a man's sexual prowess too.

Bisphenol A is often found in polycarbonate plastics, and is one of the most widely used industrial chemicals. A new study shows that exposure to this chemical in the work environment could actually cause male sexual dysfunction. The study sponsored by Kaiser Permanente's Division of Research in California concentrated on a total of 634 factory workers in China, who had been severely exposed to BPA over a period of five years. After a year of such exposure, the workers reported several sexual problems. They suffered from a rate of erectile dysfunction that was 4 times as high as men not exposed to BPA. They also suffered from ejaculation difficulties that were up to 7 times higher than men not exposed to BPA.

There has been focus on the specific effects of BPA on hormonal and reproductive systems. Experts who have studied the effect of BPA on these systems believe that there is no safe level of exposure to BPA.

The American Medical Association Board of Delegates announced this month that it will work with the US government to regulate exposure to BPA in the population, in the light of evidence showing disrupting of endocrine and reproductive processes. The link between BPA and erectile dysfunction has earlier been proved in animal studies. The research conducted in humans showed that when BPA is introduced in the body, it begins to mimic the female hormone estrogen, and therefore, inhibits male hormones from functioning property.

The industrial lobby (because of its heavy reliance on BPA) has in the past pooh poohed any study linking BPA with erectile dysfunction, because these studies were conducted on animals. However, now that these findings have been proven in human beings, it's going to be hard for naysayers to continue to deny these links any further.

To be fair, studies showing a link between BPA and erectile dysfunction involve exposure to very high levels of BPA. But it's important to remember that in our daily lives, we use many products, including plastic ones that contain BPA. Slow exposure over a period of time to low doses of BPA, may also be a concern.


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