If you’re trying to get pregnant, you may have started to wonder about environmental toxins and fertility. It might feel overwhelming to learn that the products you’re using could be upsetting your hormonal balance. But here at The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy, as fertility experts that take a whole-person approach to getting pregnant, our mindset is: Don’t be scared, be smart.
So here we’ll cover:
- Whether environmental toxins can harm fertility
- Which environmental toxins are bad for fertility
- Quick, achievable changes you can make to detox for fertility
Can environmental toxins harm fertility?
Yes, environmental toxins can harm fertility. There are common environmental toxins found in the air we breathe, the products we use and the food we eat that act as hormone disruptors which can cause fertility problems in both women and men. In science, we call these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). In recent decades, growing evidence has demonstrated that EDCs can cause damage to the reproductive health of both humans and animals.
How do environmental toxins affect fertility?
Environmental toxins that affect fertility – known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) – can damage fertility by disturbing the normal, healthy function of hormones in the body.
EDCs may mimic, block, or otherwise interfere with your body’s natural hormones. They can affect fertility when they disturb the body’s normal processes relating to:
- Making hormones
- Releasing hormones
- Transporting hormones
- Using hormones
- Breaking down and removing hormones
Dr Kale, Fertility Consultant at The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy says: “Your hormones are chemical messengers that get sent to different organs and cells of the body with instructions. Hormones govern a host of crucial functions in the body – not least your reproductive function. For example, in women Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) tells your ovaries to grow eggs; in men it encourages sperm production. Oestrogen builds and thickens your womb lining while progesterone prepares it to help sustain a pregnancy. And on the list goes. Good hormonal balance is crucial for good fertility. Environmental toxins are hazardous to fertility because they can interfere with the chemical messengers that are so crucial to proper reproductive function.”
Which environmental toxins should I avoid for fertility?
Research into environmental toxins and fertility is still ongoing. However, studies have identified that the following chemical groups people commonly encounter could be particularly problematic for fertility:
Bisphenols (BPS and BPA) – Hiding in hard plastics, the lining of tinned foods, and thermal shop receipts, bisphenols imitate oestrogen and are associated with fertility issues in both women and men.
Pesticides – Used on non-organic fruits, vegetables and grains as well as gardening products, pesticides are linked to reduced ovarian reserves and poorer sperm quality.
Heavy metals (like mercury, lead and cadmium) – Found in big predator fish such as king mackerel and tuna, old piping, metal coatings and rechargeable batteries. Researchers have linked increased exposure to heavy metals like mercury, cadmium and lead to poorer fertility in both men and women.
Phthalates – Used to make plastics soft and supple and to help fragrances linger for longer, you can often find phthalates in things like microwave food packaging, and many fragranced products (e.g. shampoo, lotion, etc). Phthalates have been linked to a range of fertility disrupting mechanisms in both men and women.
Parabens – Parabens are preservative and antibacterial chemicals put into many cosmetic products and some ultra-processed foods that can interfere with normal hormonal function.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – Often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, PFAS are linked to reduced ovarian reserve. These chemicals live in things like stain-resistant fabrics and non-stick pans.
But remember: don’t be scared, be smart. Read on for 14 ways to reduce your environmental toxin exposure for fertility.
14 ways to reduce your environmental toxin exposure
Yes, when it comes to environmental toxins and fertility, making changes might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are 14 ways to reduce your toxin burden when you’re trying for a baby.
- Ditch the non-stick cookware
Opt for pure, uncoated stainless steel instead.
- Look for fragrance-free, paraben-free cosmetics and personal care products
Websites like Cosmetify do the hard work for you, with multiple product types and fragrance-free, paraben-free brands under one roof.
- Download a barcode scanner app
Apps like Yuka scan foods and personal care product barcodes, identifying any nasties, scoring each product and even offering alternatives.
- Go organic (and if you can’t, be sure to wash thoroughly)
Yes, it’s more expensive but if you’re able to afford it, it’s worth every penny to avoid those pesticides. But if budget constraints make organic produce unrealistic, be sure to wash your fruit and vegetables thoroughly before use.
- Never microwave food in plastic wrapping
Put it on a plate instead, covering with a bowl if you want to avoid spatters.
- Stay away from ultra-processed foods
And if you aren’t sure which ones they are, download a barcode scanner app like Yuka.
- Ditch the cling film and aluminium foil
Cover leftovers with a bowl or plate instead
- Swap plastic containers for glass and ceramic
Go through the house (the kitchen likely has the most culprits) and do a sort through
- Invest in a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum
Many endocrine disrupting chemicals attach themselves to tiny dust particles in the home. And ordinary vacuum cleaners can just blow these toxic particles back out. But a HEPA vacuum is designed to trap the vast majority of these miniscule particles so they don’t get back into the air you’re breathing. And indeed research shows that HEPAs are effective at reducing indoor environmental toxins.
- Open the windows
Research has demonstrated that open windows can help to reduce the concentration of some phthalates in the home. So get that fresh air in!
- Opt for endocrine-disruptor free cleaning products
If you’re concerned about environmental toxins and fertility but you haven’t got time to concoct your own vinegar and lemon potions, you can ditch the standard supermarket options by heading online to a specialist brand like Gleaming Gloss, who do a whole range of EDC-free cleaning products.
- Avoid second-hand smoke (and smoking obviously!)
Smoking is highly harmful to female and male reproductive health, and it can affect everything from female egg cells to sperm DNA, and even the amount of IVF cycles likely to be needed. But non-smokers exposed to a lot of second-hand smoke can suffer harmful effects on fertility too. So if you live with any smokers, you need to ask them to go outside. And if other people in your life smoke, meet up with them in a non-smoking environment.
- Do your gardening without pesticides
If you’re used to gardening with chemicals to control pests etc, it’s important to find alternatives. The Royal Horticultural Society publishes handy guidance on gardening without chemicals.
- Avoid any hazardous chemicals at work
If you are trying to conceive and you often work with environmental toxins hazardous to fertility, have a conversation with your line manager or HR representative about adjusting your duties for a while.
When it comes to environmental toxins and fertility, don’t stress, take steps. Worry is unproductive, and it’s impossible to avoid hormone disruptors completely, even if you made it a full-time job! So don’t sweat it. Just take a little inventory of your home and habits using our 14 point list above. If you do what’s in there, you’ve made excellent progress.
At The Fertility and Gynaecology Academy, we’ve been at the forefront of fertility medicine in the UK for decades. Here we take a whole-person approach to fertility. It’s about factoring in all the various elements key to successful pregnancy, and working with patients to help optimise their lifestyles for fertility.
To speak with a consultant or book an initial fertility assessment at our Central London clinic, call us on 020 7224 1880 or email info@fertility-academy.co.uk.
