Avoiding the Hidden Toxins that Are Harming Your Fertility
Fertility is a delicate balance of hormones, nutrition, and overall well-being. While many women focus on diet and lifestyle changes to enhance their fertility, one crucial aspect that I often see has been overlooked is environmental toxins. These hidden toxins can disrupt hormone balance, impair reproductive health, and make conception challenging. As a fertility naturopath, I help women identify and eliminate these toxins while optimising their fertility naturally. Let’s take a look at some of the most common hidden toxins, their effects on fertility, and practical steps to reduce exposure.
How Hidden Toxins Impact Fertility
Toxins found in food, personal care products, household cleaners, and the environment can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with normal hormone function. This disruption can:
Affect ovulation and menstrual regularity
Increase oxidative stress and inflammation
Lower egg quality
Disrupt healthy implantation in early pregnancy
Reduce ovarian reserve and accelerate ovarian ageing
Reduce sperm health
Contribute to conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and thyroid imbalances
Reducing your exposure to these toxins can significantly boost fertility and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Common Hidden Toxins and How to Avoid Them
Plastics and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Plastics contain chemicals like BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates, which mimic estrogen in the body and contribute to hormonal imbalances. To reduce your exposure:
Use glass, stainless steel, or ceramic food containers instead of plastic.
Avoid canned foods (many cans are lined with BPA-containing plastic), or use brands that use un-lined cans
Choose BPA-free water bottles (glass or stainless steel are great options
Avoid cling-wrap and instead opt for beeswax wraps
Never microwave food in plastic containers
Pesticides and Herbicides in Food
Many conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain pesticide residues, which have been linked to lower fertility rates and hormonal disruption. To reduce your exposure:
Prioritise organic produce, especially for high-residue foods like strawberries, spinach, and apples (refer to the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list for more info)
Wash and scrub produce thoroughly - I like to use a sink of clean filtered water with a dash of vinegar and a couple of drops of castile soap, then rinse and pat dry
Grow your own vegetables and herbs when possible!
Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium)
Heavy metals can accumulate in the body and interfere with reproductive health. Mercury, for instance, is a neurotoxin found in certain fish and can negatively impact egg and sperm quality. To reduce your exposure of heavy metals:
Avoid high-mercury fish like tuna, shark, and swordfish; opt for lower-mercury options like wild-caught salmon, sardines, and trout. This is doubly important for when you are pregnant!
Use a high-quality water filter to remove heavy metals - ceramic bench top filters are a great option, as they also remove microplastics
Test older homes for lead-based paint and avoid contaminated soil exposure
Toxins in Personal Care Products
Many beauty and skincare products contain EDCs such as parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances, which can mimic hormones and interfere with reproductive function. To reduce your exposure:
Choose natural, organic skincare and makeup brands
Read ingredient labels and avoid products with parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and synthetic fragrances
Use aluminum-free deodorant and non-toxic shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Household Cleaning Chemicals
Conventional cleaning products often contain ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde, which can contribute to hormonal imbalances and respiratory issues. To reduce your exposure:
Switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning products (vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap are great alternatives) - you can make your own low-tox household cleaner with a 50/50 solution of filtered water and white vinegar in a spray bottle
Avoid air fresheners and synthetic candles, which contain harmful chemicals - if you wish to use scents in your home, opt for high quality essential oils from reputable companies
Flame Retardants and VOCs
Flame retardants are found in furniture, mattresses, and electronics and contain EDCs. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are found in paints, carpets, and household items, contributing to poor indoor air quality. To reduce your exposure:
Opt for organic cotton bedding and natural fibre furniture
Look for mattresses that are GOTS-certified organic
Use low-VOC paints and always air out new furniture before bringing it inside
Always wash and air out new clothes before wearing
Final Thoughts
Hidden toxins are all around us, but by making simple, intentional changes, you can significantly reduce your exposure and improve your fertility naturally. If you’re trying to conceive and want to take a proactive approach to hormone health, book a consultation with me today.
About the Author
Lizzie Stow is a clinical naturopath from Newcastle, Australia.
To find out more about Lizzie, click here.
Book an appointment with Lizzie here.