When you’re trying to conceive, you start paying attention to everything: the timing, the food, the supplements, the sleep, the sex (or insemination). But one piece that often gets overlooked, maybe because it’s so pervasive and so quiet, is the environment around us.
We don’t live in a bubble. Our bodies are constantly interacting with the world– what we eat, what we breathe, what we put on our skin, and what we store our leftovers in. And slowly, scientists are beginning to connect the dots between those everyday exposures and the growing rates of infertility.
Let’s talk about what the research is showing, without panic or overwhelm. This isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness. And small, manageable steps that may just support your fertility along the way.
How the Environment Plays a Role in Fertility
Here’s what we know: certain chemicals and materials in our homes, products, and food supply are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are substances that can interfere with your body’s hormone systems, which, as you can imagine, are pretty important when you’re trying to make a baby.
While EDCs don’t automatically “cause infertility,” they’ve been linked to issues like:
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Lower sperm count and motility
Some of these are naturally produced, while others are man-made items like plastics, pesticides, perfumes, and even some personal care products.
But knowledge is power. So let’s break it down.
3 Environmental Factors That May Be Impacting Fertility
1. Plastics (Especially Those with BPA)
BPA (short for bisphenol A) is a chemical often used in plastics that can mimic estrogen in the body. That means it can mess with hormone signaling, egg development, and sperm production.
Even low levels of BPA have been associated with decreased fertility in both men and women. The good news? You can cut down exposure by:
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Using glass or stainless-steel food containers
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Avoiding plastic water bottles (especially in heat)
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Skipping microwaving food in plastic containers
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Looking for BPA- and phthalate-free labels
2. Air Pollution (Yes, Even the Air We Breathe)
It feels unfair, right? Research has shown that exposure to common air pollutants (like particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide) can have a measurable impact on fertility.
One study found that higher exposure to these pollutants was linked to longer time to conception and an increased risk of infertility.
Air pollution can affect both ovaries and testes, potentially lowering egg quality, disrupting ovulation, and reducing sperm concentration and motility.
Here are some small changes that might help:
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Use air purifiers indoors, especially in bedrooms.
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Keep windows closed on high-pollution days (apps can track this for you).
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Add houseplants that naturally help filter air.
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Limit outdoor exercise near busy roads or rush-hour traffic.
3. Personal Care & Cleaning Products
Phthalates are often called the “everywhere chemical.” They’re added to products to make scents last longer or to soften plastics, and they’ve been linked to hormonal changes, decreased sperm motility, and increased risk of miscarriage.
You’ll find phthalates in:
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Lotions and perfumes
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Deodorants
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Detergents
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Hair products and nail polish
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Vinyl flooring and synthetic fabrics
Look for “phthalate-free” on labels, or choose products with simple ingredient lists. Natural doesn’t always mean better — but fewer ingredients you can pronounce is often a good sign.
Oh, and for anyone with testes: heat also impacts sperm quality. Loose, breathable cotton during warm months can make a quiet but meaningful difference. And for those colder months, turn off the heated seats. (Tell your partner it’s for the cause.)
What You Can Control (Without Going Off-Grid)
You can’t live in a bubble. And you shouldn’t have to.
Small shifts in your environment– using fewer plastics, choosing cleaner products– can all be part of a gentle, supportive approach to fertility.
If you're using an at-home insemination kit, for example, sterility matters a lot. Because when you're already doing so much to protect your body and environment, the last thing you need is to introduce bacteria or micro-contaminants that could interfere with conception.
Look for a kit that’s FDA-cleared and guaranteed sterile, not just "clean" or "medical-grade." That level of sterility helps ensure you’re not adding invisible risks to your fertility attempt.
One Step at a Time.
Trying to get pregnant can feel like everything is high stakes. Like every choice matters. And it can get overwhelming fast.
But the truth is: you’re already doing enough by caring.
By learning. By asking questions. By listening to your body.
So, if this has opened your eyes a little, great; let it empower you, not burden you. You don’t have to do everything. You just have to keep moving forward, one intentional choice at a time.
And if you ever want help with that next step, whether it’s finding a cleaner insemination option or just getting more clarity, we’re here for you.
