Soy Food Linked to Infertility?

22.08.2011 | By: T. B.

According to some experts, soy, which is considered to be healthy, is to blame for a higher number of infertility cases.

Despite the fact that soy reduces fertility, birth control is still recommended.

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Soy, which is a very popular ingredient on the menu of many vegetarians has a negative effect on infertility according to some people. The blame is attributed to isoflavones, which otherwise have numerous positive effects on the human body. Today, soy is considered to be an important factor for the infertility ‘epidemic’ as well as menstrual and other problems related to reproduction. Soy is not present only in soy products but it is hidden in a number of other products as well. According to some estimates, approximately 70 per cent of prepared foods found in shops today contain soy. Among these products, you can find breakfast cereals, mayonnaise, margarine, chocolate, biscuits, bread, sausages and so on. Soy is therefore widely used because it is a cheap source of proteins.

The effect of soy on male fertility

The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study to determine the effect of soy on male fertility. For three months, half of men ate soy burgers, while the other half ate meat. Researchers found that men who had been eating soy had 40% lower sperm count compared to men who had been eating meat. More thorough studies will have to be carried out, so do not stop using birth control just yet. Although soy affects the level of testosterone and sexual drive, it protects against prostate cancer.

What about female fertility?

Soy in case of hormonal imbalances

Soy is recommended to women in the menopause because it provides an effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy. The proof of that are women in the East who supposedly experience problems less intensely in the climacteric and menopause. A hormonal imbalance can mean two things: an excess or shortage of hormone. Before you decide on soy therapy, it is important that you know what kind of imbalance is in question. Soy is not suitable for women who take pills because of low estrogen levels but for those women whose estrogen levels are (too) high.

Long menstrual cycle because of soy

Soy has a considerable influence on the menstrual cycle. This has also been established by Aedin Cassidy and her team. In a short study, they found that a one-month diet containing soy prolongs the menstrual cycle up to two and a half days. Women felt the influence of soy for another three months.

How soy affects fertility

Soy negates the effect of contraceptive pills. If you want to get pregnant, you should avoid soy at least at the time of the highest fertility. Soy products (e.g. milk and tofu) have high levels of phyto-estrogens. These estrogens are found in plants and represent a weaker form of estrogens that are produced by the human body. Phyto-estrogens block the receptors of estrogens in the body, thus preventing their absorption, which means that the body cannot use them.

Use soy as it has been used for centuries

In Asia, soy has been used for a very long time before its popularity in the Western world. Despite that, fertility has remained the same, while women experience fewer problems in the menopause. What are we doing wrong? Asian people use soy in moderate quantities and it is mainly fermented (e.g. soy sauce, tempeh, etc.). It is therefore recommended that you mostly use soy as an additive rather than as part of the main course, or as the main supplement for meat foods. Vegetarians who plan to have children have a number of other plant sources of proteins available; form chickpea and other legumes to seitan.