Targeting Plastic Exposure in Infertile Couples: A Pilot Intervention Study

Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) exposure from plastics and everyday products is widespread and linked to infertility. We conducted a 3-month uncontrolled feasibility pilot study among five idiopathically infertile couples to assess whether an intensive lifestyle intervention was associated with within-person changes in urinary EDC biomarkers and exploratory changes in reproductive parameters. The intervention was embedded in a film project (“The Plastic Detox”) and integrated personalized education, product substitutions, at-home urine biomonitoring, sperm testing, and weekly coaching. Urine and semen samples were collected at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate biomarker changes. BPA was designated a priori as the primary biomarker endpoint. Directional reductions were observed in urinary bisphenol A (BPA), mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), and monobenzyl phthalate (MBzP) over the intervention period. Within-person reductions in products containing ingredients of concern were associated with lower BPA levels. Descriptive upward trends of semen parameters were observed, with the majority of the subfertile men testing >40 million motile sperm/ejaculate after the intervention. Participants had increased environmental health literacy, were more motivated to reduce exposures, and reported improved wellness endpoints. Four couples achieved pregnancy and live birth during follow-up; given the uncontrolled design and small sample size, these outcomes are presented descriptively. Overall, this pilot study demonstrates feasibility and measurable biomarker change, supporting evaluation in larger, controlled trials.