What These Chemicals Are Really Doing to Your Fertility
The Messages That Flooded In After Michael's Story
After I shared Michael's story about how Glade plug-ins destroyed his health for a decade, I got flooded with messages.
People asking the same question over and over:
"What else are these chemicals doing to us?"
And more specifically: "Could this be affecting fertility?"
The answer is yes. And it's worse than most people realize.
The Fertility Crisis Nobody's Talking About
Let's talk about what's happening:
Infertility has increased by nearly 50% in the last 40 years.
Sperm counts have dropped by more than half since the 1970s. Miscarriage rates are climbing. Endometriosis, PCOS, early menopause—all skyrocketing.
One in eight couples now struggles with infertility. That's not normal. That's a crisis.
And while there are many factors—stress, diet, age, genetics—here's what we know for certain:
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are everywhere in our homes. And they're messing with our hormones.
The same phthalates that caused Michael's decade of suffering? They're reproductive toxins. Proven. Established. Not controversial.
How Environmental Toxins Destroy Fertility
These chemicals don't just affect fertility. They affect the entire hormonal system:
In Women:
Disrupted menstrual cycles
PCOS and endometriosis
Early menopause
Reduced egg quality
Increased miscarriage risk
Implantation failure
Hormonal imbalances (estrogen dominance, progesterone deficiency)
In Men:
Reduced sperm count (down 50%+ since 1973)
Lower sperm motility and morphology
Decreased testosterone
Erectile dysfunction
DNA fragmentation in sperm
During Pregnancy:
Increased risk of miscarriage
Developmental issues in the fetus
Preterm birth
Low birth weight
Long-term health impacts for the child
This isn't theoretical. This is what the research shows.
Where These Fertility-Disrupting Chemicals Are Hiding
Here's what makes this so insidious: You're being exposed constantly, in your own home, through products marketed as safe.
Phthalates (endocrine disruptors):
Air fresheners and plug-ins
Scented candles
Conventional cleaning products
Laundry detergent and fabric softener
Personal care products (shampoo, lotion, makeup)
Plastic food containers and packaging
Vinyl flooring and shower curtains
BPA and BPS (hormone mimickers):
Plastic water bottles
Food storage containers
Canned food linings
Thermal receipt paper
Some water bottles labeled "BPA-free" (they use BPS instead, which is just as bad)
PFAS (forever chemicals):
Non-stick cookware
Stain-resistant furniture and carpets
Water-resistant clothing
Food packaging (takeout containers, microwave popcorn bags)
Tap water (in most U.S. cities)
Parabens (estrogen mimickers):
Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
Lotion and moisturizers
Makeup and cosmetics
Deodorant
Triclosan (hormone and thyroid disruptor):
Antibacterial soap
Some toothpastes
Hand sanitizers
Every. Single. Day.
The Science Is Clear
Let me be direct: The research on environmental toxins and fertility is extensive and damning.
Key Studies:
Phthalates and Male Fertility: A 2015 study published in Fertility and Sterility found that men with higher phthalate exposure had significantly lower sperm concentration, motility, and normal morphology.
Phthalates and Female Fertility: Research in Environmental Health Perspectives (2016) showed that women undergoing IVF with higher phthalate levels had lower implantation rates and higher miscarriage rates.
BPA and Reproductive Health: A 2018 study in JAMA found that BPA exposure was associated with increased time to pregnancy and higher rates of miscarriage.
PFAS and Fertility: A 2017 study published in Human Reproduction found that women with higher PFAS levels took longer to conceive and had reduced fertility.
Pesticides and Sperm Quality: Harvard research (2015) showed that men who consumed high-pesticide fruits and vegetables had 49% lower sperm count and 32% fewer normal sperm.
This isn't fringe science. This is mainstream, peer-reviewed research published in top medical journals.
Why Your Doctor Isn't Asking About Your Home Environment
When couples struggle with fertility, doctors run tests. Hormone panels. Sperm analysis. Ultrasounds. HSG. Maybe genetic testing.
But they don't ask:
What air fresheners do you use?
What do you cook with?
What do you store your food in?
What's in your personal care products?
What's in your tap water?
What cleaners do you use?
Why not?
Because the medical system isn't set up to look at environmental causes. They're trained to diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments—hormones, medications, IVF.
And those treatments can absolutely help. But if you're still being exposed to hormone-disrupting chemicals every single day, you're working against yourself.
It's like bailing water out of a boat while someone's still pouring water in.
What You Can Do: Reduce Your Toxic Load Before Trying to Conceive
If you're trying to get pregnant—or even thinking about it in the next few years—here's what to do:
3-6 Months Before Trying to Conceive:
1. Remove all synthetic fragrances from your home. This is the single biggest impact you can make. Get rid of:
Plug-ins and air fresheners
Scented candles (switch to beeswax or soy with essential oils)
Conventional cleaning products
Scented laundry detergent and fabric softener
Room sprays and car air fresheners
2. Replace plastic with glass and stainless steel.
Water bottles
Food storage containers
Cooking utensils
Coffee makers (no plastic parts touching hot water)
Never microwave plastic. Ever. Even "microwave-safe" plastic leaches chemicals when heated.
3. Throw out your non-stick cookware. PFAS are forever chemicals. They accumulate in your body and cross the placenta.
Switch to:
Cast iron
Stainless steel
Ceramic (make sure it's lead-free and cadmium-free)
4. Filter your water. At minimum, get a good carbon filter pitcher. Better yet, install a reverse osmosis system under your sink. PFAS are in most tap water—you need serious filtration to remove them.
5. Switch to non-toxic personal care products. Read labels. Avoid:
Fragrance/parfum
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
Phthalates (often hidden in "fragrance")
Triclosan
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Use apps like EWG's Skin Deep or Think Dirty to check products.
6. Eat organic when possible, especially for high-pesticide foods. The "Dirty Dozen" (highest pesticide residue):
Strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes
Wash all produce thoroughly. Better yet, buy organic for these items.
7. Avoid canned foods. Most cans are lined with BPA or BPS. Choose:
Glass jars
Tetra packs
Fresh or frozen
8. Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Put it in your bedroom. You spend 8 hours a night there—make sure the air is clean.
9. Open your windows daily. Indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air. Ventilation matters.
10. For men: Keep your phone out of your pocket. EMF exposure may affect sperm quality. Keep your phone in a bag or on a desk, not against your body.
What About IVF and Fertility Treatments?
If you're undergoing fertility treatments, reducing your toxic load is even more critical.
Research shows that women with lower phthalate and BPA levels have:
Better response to ovarian stimulation
Higher quality eggs
Better embryo quality
Higher implantation rates
Lower miscarriage rates
For men providing sperm samples:
Lower phthalate and BPA exposure correlates with better sperm parameters
Antioxidant support (from clean diet and reduced toxin exposure) improves sperm DNA integrity
You're spending thousands of dollars on fertility treatments. Don't undermine that investment by continuing to expose yourself to hormone disruptors.
Your Body Is Trying to Heal
Here's what I need you to understand:
Your body wants to create life. It's designed to. Your reproductive system is incredibly intelligent and resilient.
But it can't function properly when it's overwhelmed by synthetic chemicals that mimic hormones, block hormone receptors, and trigger inflammation.
Reducing your toxic load gives your body a fighting chance.
Not a guarantee. Not a miracle cure. But a chance.
And for many couples, that's all they need.
This Isn't About Perfection—It's About Progress
You cannot live in a bubble. You cannot avoid all toxins.
But you can dramatically reduce your exposure by changing what's in your home—the place where you spend most of your time, where you sleep, where you eat, where you're trying to conceive.
Start with one room. One category of products. One change.
And then another.
Your body will respond.
How I Help Couples Preparing for Pregnancy
This is exactly what I do in my Fertility-Focused Home Detox Consultations.
I walk through your home (virtually or in person) and identify the highest-priority changes for supporting fertility.
Then we create a realistic, customized plan based on:
Your timeline (are you trying now or in 6 months?)
Your budget
Your biggest exposures
Your specific health history
Because you deserve to know what's standing between you and the family you want to create.
Ready to give your body the best chance?
Book a Fertility-Focused Consultation | Download the Fertility Detox Checklist
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