Recent research suggests that a common bug spray ingredient, DEET, is causing havoc in the fertility world. It was discovered that DEET could be responsible for major reproductive issues, and exposure to it could cause problems with egg formation in the ovaries. But is the effect of DEET on fertility really as big as it has been made out to be in the media? Are women who use bug spray really at high risk of experiencing fertility issues? It's time to find out.

DEET: A bug spray chemical or fertility killer? 

It's important to take a look at the research in context. Scientists found that DEET (an ingredient commonly used in bug repellent products) affected the process of meiosis. Meiosis is a method of cell division which creates eggs and sperm. 

It was noted that DEET had a considerable impact on gene expression. Moderate to high levels of DEET exposure was found to cause oxidative stress on cells during their division and also resulted in abnormal chromosomal structure. This suggests that all products containing this toxin could be harmful. It could result in increased susceptibility to stillbirth, miscarriage, and may also lead to neurological imbalance. Infact, chances of genetic abnormalities like Down's syndrome may also increase.

Surprisingly, this study was conducted on c.elegans—a type of worm organism, which raises multiple questions. The most important one is—how a worm study accurately reflects the impact of DEET on humans.

According to researchers, c.elegans have many similar genetic characteristics when compared to humans. In the past, c.elegans have also been instrumental in helping researchers study the effects of BPAs (a plastic chemical) on the human reproductive cycle. As a result, c.elegans became the ideal candidate with which to study the effects of DEET on human reproduction.  

The researchers of this study observed that DEET exposure for over 24 hours on c.elegans brought about significant changes in meiosis. While this level of exposure won't be normal for the vast majority of humans, people in the agricultural profession this may experience this level of exposure. Additionally, for people visiting or living in areas with a high number of cases of malaria, zika virus, dengue fever, and Lyme disease, products with DEET are an effective repellent choice against these insects—putting them at a disadvantage. 

However, it is important to note that reproductive chances are not only determined by female fertility levels—male fertility plays an important role, too. According to a study that looked at the link between DEET and semen parameters (Segal et al.), the effect of DEET on male semen is different from that in women. The researchers studied the concentrations of DEET metabolites in the semen collected from men attending a fertility centre. The study had a sample size of 90 men and was conducted between the years 2007–2015 with over 250 semen samples. From the data collected, it was found that there was no direct impact between DEET exposure and semen quality. This suggests that male fertility is not impacted by DEET.

While research on the effects of DEET exposure and fertility levels in humans is still quite limited, and we should of course exercise caution, we need to look at the bigger picture. A person's fertility does not solely depend on exposure to certain sets of chemicals, and a variety of other factors also play an important role in an individual's fertility.

Keep your fertility levels in check.

If you are a couple that is trying to get pregnant and you want to increase your chances of conception, you first need to understand that a wide variety of factors come into play. 

Firstly, your lifestyle. Many fertility experts recommend couples change their lifestyle habits to increase their chances of conception. This means cutting back on substances like alcohol, reducing fast food consumption, getting regular gentle exercise, and following the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is rich in 'good' fats and includes salmon, kale, legumes, and other foods rich in zinc.

Another addition to the above list is stress. Although stress doesn't have a direct link to fertility, it can indirectly impact other systems in the body, which can, in turn, affect fertility. Quite a few research papers support this indirect link between stress and infertility. Stress can lead to altered sperm formations and reduced sperm count in men—both of which can contribute to miscarriages or genetic abnormalities. When it comes to women, stress can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, which can not only impact ovulation and periods but can also result in a hormonal imbalance. 

Additionally, many people rely on cigarettes as a coping mechanism to help reduce stress levels, but smoking is known to be equally detrimental to fertility levels. A better alternative to dealing with stress is to practise meditation, which calms the mind and body.

If you are someone who has tried all of the above and generally leads a healthy lifestyle, then the cause of infertility might require medical intervention. If you have been trying for over 12 months to conceive with no luck, it is advised to visit a fertility clinic in London or your local area. Your fertility doctor may suggest you undergo a couple's fertility test, which may include an AMH blood test, saline hysterography (aqua scan), and male semen analysis. Based on the results, your doctor can then suggest the most appropriate treatment options, depending on your medical history. 

Conception can be challenging.

So, will DEET affect your reproductive abilities? While the literature on this is limited, chances of this are quite slim based on the current studies and research available. Fertility for a couple depends on a variety of factors. While physical changes are important to consider in your conception journey, keeping in mind emotional needs is equally important. Surrounding yourself with loved ones and creating a support network can help you balance your mental health. In addition to this, consulting a fertility clinic can help make the road to conception easier.