According to the World Health Organization, approximately 17.5% of adults (roughly 1 in 6 couples) face substantial difficulties in conceiving. Environmental toxins have emerged as a significant contributor to this progressive reduction in fertility, affecting both men and women alike.
Our modern world exposes us to an increasing number of environmental toxins that may impact one's overall health and ability to get pregnant. Chemicals, pesticides, plastics, heavy metals, and even medications have found their way into various parts of our daily environment such as tap water, air pollution, furniture, food containers, conventional produce, water bottles, beauty and skincare products, cleaning supplies, and more. It's enough to want to cocoon yourself for the foreseeable future, but there are action-oriented steps to take to reduce your toxin load. And remember: the decisions we make with our dollars speak volumes about our wants and needs as consumers.
Related: The ultimate His and Hers fertility checklist
Environmental toxins and fertility challenges
The effects of environmental toxins on fertility can be categorized into four main areas:
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Endocrine disruption: Environmental toxins have the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in our bodies, leading to hormonal imbalances that can hinder fertility.
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Harm to the female reproductive system: The presence of toxins can cause direct damage to the female reproductive system, impacting ovulation, hormone production, and overall reproductive function.
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Harm to the male reproductive system: Environmental toxins can also adversely affect male fertility by disrupting sperm production, motility, and morphology.
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Impaired fetal viability: Exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution during pregnancy can pose risks to fetal development and viability, leading to complications and potential infertility in the offspring.
Related: 5 ways to optimize your fertility in 2025
Tips to improve your odds of getting pregnant
Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce exposures to environmental toxins, especially at home. In this article, we’ll share our top tips for reducing environmental toxin exposures to support fertility and how to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
1. Choose toxin-free food containers, cookware and water bottles
Simple changes in how we cook and store food can significantly reduce exposure to microplastics, BPAs, and heavy metals. Most grocery store and food delivery items come in plastic-lined or plastic containers, increasing the risk of micro-exposures to BPAs and the forever chemicals PFAS. Opting for glass, metal, or food-grade silicone containers whenever possible benefits health, fertility status, and the environment—and these are usually more durable.
Similarly, using reusable glass or metal water bottles filled with filtered water is another way to minimize environmental toxin exposure. Plus, they are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than single-use plastic bottles. When it comes to cookware, stainless steel, glass, or ceramic options are preferable over non-stick surfaces, which can leach chemicals into food.
2. Clean up your personal care products
The personal care products we use on a daily basis, such as cosmetics, skincare items, shampoos, toothpaste, and sunscreens, may contain ingredients that have been associated with cancer, reproductive harm, and allergies. Surprisingly, the FDA does not mandate safety testing for most of these ingredients, and several of them have been banned in other countries, including Europe.
Common ingredients to watch out for include formaldehyde, methylene glycol, heavy metals like mercury and lead, quaternium 15, parabens, PFAS, phthalates, M- and O-phenylenediamine, and “fragrance."
It’s important to remember that when we apply these products to our skin, they are absorbed into our bodies through the dermal layers. Even though we’re not consuming them directly, they still find their way inside. Take the time to review product labels for any of the mentioned ingredients and cross-check your current products using the Skin-Deep Database on ewg.org.
3. Use non-toxic cleaning products
Like personal care products, cleaning products offer another opportunity to greatly reduce our exposure to environmental toxins. From multi-purpose sprays to dish detergent, laundry detergent, and air fresheners, the world of cleaning products is vast. While some individuals prefer making their own cleaning solutions using ingredients like distilled white vinegar and baking soda, there are a wide range of non-toxic products available on the market—our clean brand database shares our current favorites.
Opting for non-toxic cleaning products ensures that we maintain a healthier environment while effectively tackling our cleaning needs. These products offer an alternative to traditional chemical-laden options, allowing us to keep our living spaces clean and fresh without compromising well-being.
4. Drink filtered water
Filtering your water is a simple and effective method to minimize unintended exposure to pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, and PFAS. The EPA provides resources for learning more about the quality of your local tap water. Consider a countertop, sink-based or under-sink water filtration system to help filter your house's water.
5. Fill your plate with fruit and veggies
Eating fresh produce—whether organic or conventional—is also important for fertility. First, antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables can help reduce your toxin load and support your body's natural detoxification properties.
Second, filling your plate with high-quality whole-foods like fruit and veggies can help ensure you're getting the fiber and nutrients you need to support your body in conception. One recent study showed that a diet high in fast food and low in fresh fruit led to fertility challenges and contributed to a longer time to get pregnant.
6. Toss the “fragrances”, scented candles and room sprays
When it comes to fertility, it’s important to be mindful of the term “fragrance” on product labels. Many fragrances contain phthalates, known to disrupt hormone production. Opting for fragrance-free lotions, detergents, perfumes, candles, and other products is recommended to minimize exposure to these endocrine disruptors. In fact, burning candles is a big contributor to indoor air pollution, so you may want to limit your burning in general.
Many products now utilize essential oils for scent instead of synthetic fragrances. But instead of trying to mask odors, prioritize cleanliness in your surroundings and regularly dispose of trash—also avoiding scented garbage bags! By making these choices, you can reduce potential hormonal disruptions and support your fertility journey.
7. Keep your space (and air) clean
Finally, creating a clean home environment can also support your fertility journey. Indoor dust and dirt can harbor harmful substances like plastics and flame retardants from furniture, which are associated with hormone disruption. Regular cleaning, dusting and vacuuming helps maintain a clean space and improves air quality.
Investing in air purifiers can also be beneficial, especially for your bedroom, where you spend hours sleeping. Contrary to popular belief, outdoor air is often cleaner than the air indoors, so opening windows once in a while allows for some fresh circulation. By prioritizing cleanliness and fresh air, you can promote a healthier home environment that supports fertility and overall well-being.
A note from WeNatal on improving your odds of getting pregnant through toxin reduction
While the idea of reducing toxin exposure may feel overwhelming, it is important to remember that we can only control so much. And what we do most of the time is what makes an impact. This is why making some of these minor swaps and changes at home can have a significant impact on your fertility status—and your health going forward.
References
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