You may not think that common household products can cause erectile dysfunction but there is evidence to suggest that certain chemicals may do just that. VICTOR OKEKE writes.

While singing in the shower, have you ever stopped to think that the soap you’re using may be affecting your erections? Probably not, but the truth is that chemicals common in many antibacterial soaps may affect your ability to produce or maintain an erection.

Benefits largely unproven

Many of us fear the unseen bacteria lurking almost everywhere. Because of this, we often look for “antibacterial” labels on products while shopping in the hope of keeping ourselves and our children healthy. Much of this fear has been created by the producers of these commercial goods, with advertising insisting that we need these products to avoid becoming ill. The truth of the matter is that the benefits of using antibacterial products are largely unproven, according to a statement by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

Manufacturers need to add certain chemicals during the production process to make products “antibacterial”. Such chemicals can be found in many consumer products such as soap, toothpaste, kitchenware and even toys, but may actually be more harmful than we think.

Triclosan is one of the chemicals used for antibacterial properties. Beyond Pesticide explains that it is predominantly absorbed through the skin, from soap, body washes and lotions or through the lining of the mouth, from toothpaste or food exposed to the chemical.

It has been linked to an increased risk of allergies, eczema and asthma in children. It is also considered to be a potential endocrine disruptor. This means that research has indicated that it could potentially affect hormone functioning in the human body.

Bacterial resistance to triclosan has been shown during research although further studies are needed to show what effect it would have on bacterial resistance in a normal environment, The Encyclopaedia of Earth explains. The FDA states that certain antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan may actually be linked to bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

Triclosan and male sexual health

The results of 2008 study published in the Oxford Journal of Toxicology Sciences, suggest that exposure to Triclosan can affect certain hormone levels. The study exposed rats to triclosan at a concentration of 5ml per 100g body mass. The researchers found that the rats exposed to triclosan had significantly lower testosterone levels than the control group.

Another study into rats conducted by The Indian Institute of Technology’s Department of Biotechnology showed that exposure to triclosan over a 60 day period resulted in lower sperm production.

While researchers are yet to conduct similar studies in humans, experts are advocating the removal of triclosan from consumer products because of the multiple risks it could pose to our health.

What effects can lower testosterone have?

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is responsible for sexual function. Low testosterone levels can have a number of effects on a man. Some symptoms are poor sleep, irritability, depressed mood, poor muscle tone and increased body fat, especially around the stomach.

Sexually, it can result in a lower sex drive, shrinking testes, abnormal sperm production and erectile dysfunction.

Should I change my soap?

The FDA is conducting further research into triclosan to determine what effects the chemical could have in humans, so for now, the decision lies with you really.

Legally, manufacturers using triclosan are required to list it as an ingredient on the product’s label. If you are worried about chemicals and your health, simply avoid purchasing products that contain it.

Just as many people are neurotic about germs, it is easy to become similarly anxious about chemicals. Unfortunately in today’s world we simply are exposed to many more chemicals than the generations before us. It is possible to reduce your exposure by adopting an organic lifestyle but even then, chemicals cannot be avoided entirely.

http://leadership.ng/style/427158/could-your-soap-really-cause-erectile-dysfunction

This one don use soap self service tire the thing don rebete he no fit stand again

First to comment on nairaland just within three days on this site,well ashawo self na virgin for new area.

Back to the op..Stop self Servicing!!

So now we no go dey bath with soap again b dat o


Abi na to go back to salt bath mode ni


No


Water and green soap


That one no get much chemicals to kill john T

Front page just now? Incredible

So Educative...

ok

Team #Premier cool no dysfunction

Cool...tanx

Okay

True

Summary.com.ng ahbeg come summarize thz for me

NAH,EXCEPT THAT SOAP IS PREPARED UNKNOWINGLY WITH YORUBA LEGENDARY MAGUN

Soapers association of nigeria (SAN) aka mastubators. Una hear?

Thanks for the info. My 9 inches + must not fail to perform.






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Chisos.....u still dey ask....ok continue...
Till ur john thomas no go ever stand again....dey dia dey ask question...

Scary stuff.


Really scary stuff.


Soap turn me to Missus?
God forbid!

vaseline crew take note.

Hmmmmm... I think so... if u use all those hausa konji soaps ... u di..ck will never remain the same

Informative


Dudu Osun here I come...

I dont want believe that

Serious case! How man pikin go do na?

Prayer: God, please don't let me use my money to buy my death....Amen.

i read this up ome years ago, well the info simply made me stop patronising those Anti bacteria soaps, as for my tools its has always been working good....

Chisos... I wont use soap again

I for comment oo... But am presently in action