DEHP in Pregnancy Damages Sons' Testicles Before Birth

Male mice exposed to DEHP in the womb developed undescended testicles, produced less testosterone, and had defective sperm production. The damage started before birth.

DEHP Wrecks the Testosterone Factory

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate), one of the most common plasticizers on Earth. Male offspring showed severe reproductive problems, according to a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf.

The exposed males had cryptorchidism (undescended testicles), fewer Leydig cells (the cells that make testosterone), reduced testosterone production, and lower levels of the enzymes needed to make male hormones.

Immune Cells Made It Worse

DEHP didn't just attack the testosterone-producing cells directly. It also disrupted testicular macrophages (immune cells in the testes). These macrophages normally support Leydig cell function, but DEHP exposure turned them against the very cells they're supposed to protect.

The phthalate suppressed a receptor called Trem2 on macrophages, breaking the communication between immune cells and Leydig cells. When researchers restored Trem2, the damage was partially reversed.

What You Can Do

DEHP is in vinyl flooring, plastic food wrap, and soft plastic toys. During pregnancy, avoid heating food in plastic, skip vinyl products, and choose phthalate-free baby gear. Explore non-toxic baby products for safer options.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Ye S, Wu S, Yuan G, et al. (2026). Ecotoxicol Environ Saf.