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.
Hua et al. (2026) studied this question.