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Plastic reduces a woman's sex drive
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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In modern conditions, we are increasingly surrounded by plastic, it is present in flooring, shower curtains, etc. As it turned out recently, phthalates (chemical elements that make plastic soft and flexible) contained in plastic significantly affect a woman's sexual desire. As studies have shown, high levels of phthalates in a woman's body lead to her refusing sex twice as much.
Phthalates penetrate the human body, and phthalate levels have previously been linked to diabetes and asthma, as well as adverse effects on the brain in boys, but a recent study has shown that phthalates also alter hormones and affect the psyche of women.
At the University of Rochester School of Medicine, Dr. Emily Barrett and colleagues conducted a study that assessed phthalate levels in the urine of pregnant women. The experiment involved more than 300 women.
The scientists also took into account the frequency of decreased sexual desire before pregnancy.
The group of participants who had the highest levels of phthalates in their urine were 2.5 times more likely to report that they often felt a reluctance to have sex than the group who had the lowest levels of phthalates.
After all the tests, the experts concluded that phthalates most likely affect the production of sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), which are extremely important for a woman's sexual desire. The experts recommended limiting the consumption of processed and packaged foods, since they can enter the body with a significant amount of harmful chemical compounds, in particular phthalates, and scientists also advise getting rid of PVC products in the home if possible.
In addition, a recent research project has shown that sexual desire can be affected by posture. People who slouch swear more often, are more shy and conceited, and are also more likely to develop depression, anger, etc., and recently decreased libido has been added to this list.
The habit of slouching indicates constant stress and a sedentary lifestyle.
In this position, the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the body's main organs and systems is reduced. When digestion is impaired, the body experiences a feeling of fatigue, drowsiness, and there is a lack of oxygen when breathing, which results in a stress reaction that reduces energy and affects sleep. Energy, as is known, is extremely important for sexual function.
More than 70 people took part in the study. The specialists divided all the volunteers into two groups: in one, people were slouched, in the other, with an upright posture. After a certain period of time, the participants were given a reading test, their blood pressure and pulse were measured. The specialists also assessed their state of mind, the degree of self-esteem and excitement, and conducted a stress test.
As a result, it turned out that in the group with a straight back, the level of self-esteem was an order of magnitude higher, in this group people felt fear less often and were more positive. In the group of slouched people, more negative emotions were observed, they were less talkative and focused attention mainly on themselves or sad events.
Earlier studies found that people with straight posture have a 92% positive outlook on the world, and that posture directly impacts learning ability.
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