Infertility and nail polish
Is there a link between infertility and nail varnish? Does nail polish affect fertility? Studies do indeed show that Reproduction is negatively affected due to the toxic chemicals present in nail polish that are known hormone disruptors.
Reproduction relies on the right hormones, in the right amounts be in the right location at the right time- it is a delicate balance.
Research studies indicate that the chemicals in nail varnish disrupt normal hormone functioning. These toxic chemicals are called Endocrine Disruptors (hormone disruptors). Hormones have everything to do with your Reproductive System functioning properly, thus the link between Infertility and nail polish.
Hormones are like messages that tell your body what to do and when to do it, so if you have toxic chemicals from your nail varnish interfering with those messages, then your reproductive cycle does not function properly to support fertility.
The Science: Nail polish contains a chemical called Triphenyl phosphate, or TPHP. TPHP is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical (meaning it disrupts normal hormone functioning). It is also commonly used:
- to make plastics
- as a fire retardant in foam furniture.
Researchers at Duke University tested the urine of 26 women who had recently painted their nails with nail polish. They found evidence of TPHP in every participant. Yes, every participant. Evidence of the chemical in the women’s urine increased sharply after they applied the nail polish. Click here to read more about the study. “These results are troubling because a growing body of scientific data from other studies indicates that TPHP causes endocrine disruption”. Endocrine disruption means that it interferes with normal hormone functioning. In animal studies, TPHP has caused reproductive and developmental irregularities. Thus, the link between infertility and nail polish.
If you regularly wear nail polish, TPHP could be in other parts of your body besides your urine.
Not only are chemicals inhaled, chemicals can seep into your body through your nail plate and lead to further toxicity. Innocent lifestyle choices like wearing nail varnish may be harming your fertility.
Is there a Fertility Friendly Nail Polish? Yes! The Good News: There are several brands that are offering Non-toxic Nail Varnish versions.
These non toxic nail polishes are usually advertised as: “3 Free” , “5 Free” “7 Free” or “21 Free” meaning that they have eliminated a combination of the chemicals listed below. And these Non-toxic nail polish alternatives are widely available. If you are in Dublin, Omra Beauty Salon is offering:
This 2 week polish is similar to the likes of Shellac or Gelish but it is extremely gentle on the nail. Contains “7 free” which means it is free from the 7 most harmful chemicals found in nail polish.”
If you want to do your own nails, check out Glamour’s recent article:
21 Nontoxic Nail Polishes for shiny, chip-free nails that last for days
Infertility and nail varnish: Other toxic chemicals are present as well (“the toxic 3” and “toxic 5”, etc.):
- Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). This is the ingredient that is linked to reproductive issues.
- Toluene. This is a commonly used solvent (It’s major use is as an additive in gasoline) that creates a smooth finish across the nail polish and keeps the pigment (the colour) from separating in the bottle. This chemical can affect the central nervous system and cause reproductive harm.
- Formaldehyde. This is a known carcinogen. It is used in nail polish as a nail-hardening agent. It is also used as a disinfectant for nail care tools, thus creating more exposure to this harmful chemical.
- Formaldehyde Resin. This is a derivative of Formaldehyde that may be considered slightly less toxic than Formaldehyde, however don’t be fooled as it is still a carcinogen as well as an allergen.
- Camphor. This is a neurotoxin and can cause seizure if ingested. When absorbed through the skin it can cause liver problems.
- Ethyl Tosylamide. This has already been barred from use in personal care products in Europe.
- Xylene. The main effect of inhaling xylene vapor is depression of the central nervous system.
- TPHP. This is the chemical discussed in the study mentioned above.
“Nail polish is the new lipstick”
Since Covid 19 and the pandemic, wearing masks is now the norm. The first onset of Covid gave rise to more women buying and wearing nail polish and lipstick sales plummeted. Even the Financial Times reported on this soaring trend in nail polish sales and dip in lipstick sales.
Now more than ever it is important to know what is in your nail polish. And if you are wondering what more you can do to help get pregnant, consider making some changes and reducing your exposure to environmental toxins. My online Fertility Diet & Lifestyle Program can help you live a Fertility Friendly Lifestyle.
For a limited time you can get access to my Fertility Upgrade Diet & Lifestyle Program for just 7 euro per month, cancel anytime- see what’s included, usually 2997 euro: Click HERE for the Fertility Diet & Lifestyle Program SECRET LINK and take the stress and hassle out of trying to figure out what to eat, what to do and NOT do to help you get pregnant.
The program usually costs 2997, but I offer my Acupuncture patients monthly access for the discounted rate and since you’re here and interested in your lifestyle I’d like to extend the 7 euro, cancel anytime offer to you that I normally give to my patients, click the link to see everything that’s included and start setting up the conditions that allow pregnancy to happen.
“Unexplained Infertility” is a “diagnosis” given when doctors can find no reason to explain why you are not getting pregnant.
If you want to test your fertility hormone levels to see if they are in the normal ranges, you can get a Day 3 blood test and a Day 21 blood test done.
Ever wondered “Why is IVF and nail polish a no no? “
So, the day of your long awaited embryo transfer arrives and you are told to not wear nail polish (and make-up and perfumes). You now know the toxic chemicals are why the statistics have shown that when women do not wear nail varnish, make-up or perfumes during embryo transfer, the rates of success slightly increase. And anyone going through IVF will take any increase in success percentages no matter how slight.
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