Simple swaps in your home to nurture your fertility

When you’re trying to conceive, you might focus on nutrition and lifestyle changes. But did you know that simple adjustments to your environment can also positively impact your fertility? Here are some easy, impactful swaps that can help create a fertility-friendly environment for you and your growing family.

Swap Out Plastic Containers for Glass or Stainless Steel

Plastic containers often contain chemicals like BPA and phthalates that can disrupt hormonal balance. Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has shown that BPA, found in many plastics, can mimic estrogen and interfere with reproductive hormones. Phthalates have been similarly linked to reduced fertility in women.

Try This Instead: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers for storing food and beverages. Glass and stainless steel are safe, durable alternatives that keep food fresh and free from potentially harmful chemicals.

Swap Chemical-Based Cleaning Products For Natural Ones 

Many household cleaners contain synthetic chemicals that can leave residues, pollute indoor air, and disrupt your endocrine system. According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, regular exposure to certain chemicals in cleaning products has been linked to reproductive health issues, including hormonal imbalance and increased risk of infertility. 

Try This Instead: Switch to natural cleaning products or make your own with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are they effective and safe for fertility, but they also create a healthier indoor environment, benefiting both parents and a future baby.

Swap Synthetic Fragrances For Natural Oils

Many air fresheners, candles, and scented products contain phthalates and synthetic fragrances, which can increase indoor air pollution and impact fertility. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that phthalates in fragrances are linked to hormone disruption and can accumulate in the body over time. 

Try This Instead: Choose natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers or beeswax candles, or simply open windows for fresh air. Essential oils like lavender and eucalyptus provide safe, chemical-free aromas that support a fertility-friendly home.

Switch To Organic Produce When Possible

Pesticides on conventionally grown produce have been linked to fertility challenges. Studies, including one published in JAMA Internal Medicine, have found that women who consume high-pesticide produce may have a reduced chance of successful conception compared to those eating lower-pesticide or organic produce.

Try This Instead: Prioritize organic produce, especially for the “Dirty Dozen” foods like strawberries and apples, which tend to carry higher pesticide residues. Organic foods are an investment in your health and can support a hormone-friendly diet.

Minimize EMF Exposure by Limiting Electronic Devices

As technology use rises, so does our exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from devices like cell phones and Wi-Fi routers. Emerging studies, such as one published in Fertility and Sterility, suggest that high EMF exposure may affect reproductive health by increasing oxidative stress in cells, which can disrupt fertility.

Try This Instead: Reduce EMF exposure by limiting screen time, keeping phones away from your body, and unplugging devices when not in use. Creating an “electronics-free” zone in your bedroom can also improve sleep quality, another factor important for fertility.

Swap Beauty And Skincare With Nontoxic Alternatives

Personal care products like lotions, makeup, and shampoos often contain parabens and phthalates, which can interfere with hormonal balance. A 2019 study in Reproductive Toxicology found that these chemicals, commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, are linked to disruptions in estrogen levels, which can impair fertility.

Try This Instead: Choose nontoxic, clean beauty products free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. Look for products from brands transparent about their ingredients or switch to natural alternatives like coconut oil for moisturizing and mineral-based makeup.

Swap Teflon Cookware With Ceramic or Stainless Steel

Non-stick cookware, particularly Teflon, can release PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which have been shown to interfere with endocrine function. Studies, including research by The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, have linked PFAS exposure to reduced fertility in both men and women, making this an important swap.

Try This Instead: Use ceramic, cast iron, or stainless steel cookware to reduce exposure to these chemicals. These options are safe, effective, and durable, making them ideal for a fertility-supportive kitchen.

Creating a fertility-friendly environment involves small, research-supported changes that can make a big difference. By making these swaps, you’re nurturing a healthy foundation—not only for yourself but also for your future family. Each change you make brings you closer to a safe, supportive, and fertility-focused lifestyle.

All content and media on the Mother Natal website are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

FAQs

1. How can reducing BPA and phthalates improve fertility?
Studies show that BPA and phthalates, commonly found in plastics and synthetic fragrances, can interfere with hormone levels and reproductive health. Reducing exposure to these chemicals may help improve fertility and overall hormonal health.
2. Do fertility-safe cleaning products make a difference?
Yes, natural cleaning products help minimize exposure to harsh chemicals that can disrupt your hormones. Switching to plant-based or DIY cleaners can create a healthier, fertility-friendly home environment.
3. Why should I consider organic foods for fertility health?
Organic foods reduce pesticide exposure, which has been linked to reproductive issues. Opting for organic, especially with high-residue fruits and vegetables, can support hormone balance and may improve your chances of conception.
4. How does EMF exposure affect fertility, and how can I reduce it?
High EMF exposure has been associated with oxidative stress, which may affect reproductive health. Simple steps like unplugging devices, limiting screen time, and avoiding direct contact with phones can help create a fertility-friendly environment.

References

Chiu Y, Williams PL, Gillman MW, et al. Association Between Pesticide Residue Intake From Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables and Pregnancy Outcomes Among Women Undergoing Infertility Treatment With Assisted Reproductive Technology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29084307/

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. "Bisphenol A (BPA): Use in Food Contact Application." Available at: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa

Wang A, Padula A, Sirota M, Woodruff TJ. Environmental influences on reproductive health: the importance of chemical exposures. Fertil Steril. 2016 Sep 15;106(4):905-29. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.07.1076. Epub 2016 Aug 9. PMID: 27513554; PMCID: PMC5158104. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5158104/

Laws MJ, Neff AM, Brehm E, Warner GR, Flaws JA. Endocrine disrupting chemicals and reproductive disorders in women, men, and animal models. Adv Pharmacol. 2021;92:151-190. doi: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.03.008. Epub 2021 May 3. PMID: 34452686; PMCID: PMC9743013. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9743013/

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