Chemicals found in the water system may be partly responsible for an increase in the number of male fertility problems, British scientists say.

Researchers at Brunel University, the Universities of Exeter and Reading and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have identified chemicals known as anti-androgens that may get into the water system via medical waste or pesticides.

In previous studies, exposure to female sex hormones in the water supply was shown to inhibit the function of testosterone and lead to the feminization of male fish.

The new research identified anti-androgens as a fresh group of chemicals that have a similar effect on fish, as well as drawing a potential connection between human exposure and a male fertility problem known as testicular dysgenesis syndrome.

“Our findings … strengthen the argument for the cocktail of chemicals in our water leading to hormone disruption in fish, and contributing to the rise in male reproductive problems,” commented Professor Charles Tyler of the University of Exeter.

Natural supplements have provided one form of relief for some older people who are dealing with estrogen dominance.