There has always been a lot of chatter around the importance of penis sizes across cultures. The 25-year research of leading epidemiologist Dr Shanna Swan will aggravate most as it implies the shrinking of penis sizes in the coming generations.

Dr Swan research speaks to the impacts of our environment and how certain chemicals affect the size of the male genitalia and sperm count. These same chemicals can cause genital deformities and hormone problems. 

The book is titled, Countdown: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race. 

The chemical that she states is causing issues with reproductivity is found in many day to day items. 

Phthalates as explained by The Marin Breast Cancer Watch is 

    “Phthalates are a family of man-made chemical compounds developed in the last century to be used in the manufacture of plastics, solvents, and personal care products. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids that do not evaporate easily and do not chemically bind to the material they are added to.” 

This chemical may be found in nail polish, perfumes, deodorants, hair gels, shampoos, soaps, hair sprays, and body lotions, to help lubricate other substances in the formula and to carry fragrances.

A Jamaican Marine Biologist and active environmentalist affectionately known as Jaye James explains that Phthalates, while they are dangerous, are similar to many chemicals and are not necessarily damaging unless in high quantities to actually affect a person . She says this with research from the CDC based on surveys done from 1999-2004 that shows that 

“Once phthalates enter a person’s body, they are converted into breakdown products (metabolites) that pass out quickly in urine… Human health effects from exposure to low levels of phthalates are unknown. Some types of phthalates have affected the reproductive system of laboratory animals. More research is needed to assess the human health effects of exposure to phthalates.” 

This research was updated in 2017.