The Plastic Detox

Netflix Documentary about Plastics & Infertility

I would like to call your attention to “The Plastic Detox,” a Netflix documentary that follows six couples with unexplained infertility. Guided by reproductive epidemiologist Dr. Shanna Swan, they undergo a 90-day intervention to lower exposure to plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals to see if it improves fertility. Clearly, this is just a pilot study. A tiny sample population is evaluated over a short period of time with no placebo group. The information they present will be used to attract future funding for more expansive studies and can be adapted by our patients now to improve outcomes.

The diagnosis of “unexplained infertility” is exasperating, and our couples are inundated with suggestions for supplements and life-style changes.   Microplastics and the associated chemicals cannot be escaped in modern American life.  I don’t want to add to your burden, but I do think these changes are helpful for all of us to consider.  In addition to endocrine disruptors, these molecules are considered obesogens and carcinogens.

As the film makes clear, chemists were never trained to look for the toxicity of their inventions.  As consumers, we were far down this path before the risks were understood.  Making some of the changes Dr. Swan suggests would be useful place to put your energy while you prepare for other treatment options.