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Foul body odor is a true confidence-buster, but we’d argue that erectile problems in bed with your partner are a close second.
The stench of B.O. might not be the most pleasant thing in the world, but at least you can spray some deodorant on and call it a day.
That said, you might want to think twice before reaching for that can of deodorant spray or antiperspirant.
Deodorants commonly contain aluminum, parabens, and other chemicals that can potentially wreak havoc on your hormones and even lead to impotence.
While we don’t recommend skipping out on deodorant altogether—for the good of your sake and everyone else’s—there’s value in learning about the harmful ingredients commonly found in these hygiene products.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in deodorant that may be causing your problems in the bedroom.
Is Deodorant Bad For You?
First, it’s important to make a distinction between deodorants and antiperspirants.
Deodorants mask body odor with fragrances, while antiperspirants work to reduce sweating by plugging up the sweat glands. That said, most commercial deodorants on the market today are actually a combination of both a deodorant and antiperspirant.
While we don’t ingest the toxic compounds of deodorants through the mouth, they do get absorbed through the skin. When these chemicals are absorbed, they enter the bloodstream and can potentially disrupt the normal functioning of hormones.
But even so, the benefits of using deodorant and antiperspirant outweigh the risks. For one, deodorants can help reduce body odor caused by sweat and bacteria. And for people who suffer from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), deodorants can help to reduce embarrassment and insecurity.
Still, there are some ingredients found in deodorants that have been linked to adverse health effects, including erectile dysfunction.
Let’s look into these ingredients a bit further to see if they’re really a cause for concern.
5 Harmful Deodorant Ingredients
Without further ado, here are some deodorant components that can negatively affect your health and sex life.
1. Aluminum
Aluminum compounds are a key component in antiperspirant products. These aluminum salts block the sweat duct and prevent your armpits from getting drenched in sweat.
However, too much aluminum can build up and get trapped in your body. According to one study, too much aluminum can elevate estrogen levels in breast tissue and cause abnormal cell growth to occur, particularly increasing one’s breast cancer risk.
This may develop kidney disease and breast cancer cells and tumors. A breast cancer diagnosis is a cause for immediate medical concern according to the American Cancer Society, so it’s prudent to not ignore symptoms.
Furthermore, aluminum has been linked to a decrease in testosterone levels in males.
One study proposes that the reason for this could be traced to the interference of the normal secretion of the luteinizing hormone in the body, causing decreased T levels.
Lower T levels can cause a decreased interest in sexual activity, and consequently lead to impotence and erectile dysfunction.
2. Bisphenol A (BPA)
Many deodorant sprays are contained using aluminum containers. These aluminum cans may contain bisphenol A (BPA), which is an endocrine disruptor. BPA can leach into your body through the skin and has been linked to a number of health problems, including infertility and impotence.
Moreover, BPA also adversely stimulates a plethora of health conditions that are linked with erectile dysfunction. One study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that BPA consumption increases a patient’s risk of developing the following conditions:
- Obesity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
With that said, low levels of BPA are safe and not life-threatening. But if you want to completely derisk yourself from unintentionally exposing yourself to this chemical, it’s best to stick with natural deodorants and antiperspirants.
3. Parabens
Parabens are chemicals that are commonly used as preservatives in a lot of health and beauty products, including deodorants. They help prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast in these products.
However, parabens can also disrupt the normal functioning of your hormones, particularly estrogen. This may lead to health risks like breast cancers.
In addition, parabens have also been linked to decreased testosterone levels and impaired sperm quality due to their estrogen-mimicking properties. In one study, it was found that serum testosterone concentration decreased by 20 to 70% in male rodents that were exposed to parabens.
This indicates that parabens may also be one of the causes of impotence and erectile dysfunction, although further studies need to be done in order to confirm this.
4. Phthalates
Phthalate is an active ingredient in hygiene products that helps deodorant stay in your skin longer. They are commonly used in products that contain synthetic fragrances, like deodorants and soaps.
Phthalates have been found, in one study, to be a potent endocrine disruptor. In particular, it disrupts the adrenal hormones, which are responsible for regulating stress and testosterone levels in the body. This, in turn, can contribute to a decreased interest in sex, as well as erectile dysfunction.
If you find yourself experiencing adrenal fatigue, don’t leave it untreated. Contact a local adrenal fatigue specialist to schedule a confidential treatment plan.
5. Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that is commonly used in a lot of hygiene products, such as deodorants, soaps, and shampoos.
Triclosan, just like phthalates, is a potent disruptor of normal hormone functioning. In fact, it has been found to interfere with the thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating metabolism.
In addition, according to one recent study, this compound significantly reduces testosterone levels in the body by disrupting cholesterol biosynthesis in Leydig cells.
As a result, libido may be decreased, and impotence could occur.
Consult Jacksonville’s Leading ED Clinic for a Medical Consultation
Just like perfume, deodorants can take on a variety of different fragrances. While many are benign, some ingredients could cause allergies.
One common allergic reaction, allergic rhinitis, increases the risk of erectile dysfunction by 37%.
While it won’t affect everyone, there’s still a subset of people who may be at risk of developing ED just by smelling a particular deodorant fragrance.
Deodorant can help mask foul odors, but it’s not without its sexual-related downsides.
If you want to stay safe and maintain an active sex life, don’t merely stop using deodorant and call it a day. There are better ways to keep yourself safe.
One surefire way to find the right treatment is by visiting a doctor that specializes in your condition.
At the Jacksonville men’s clinic Prime Men’s Medical Center, you can get the right treatment plan that can help you live longer and happier. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
