How to Increase Fertility Naturally: Avoid These Hidden Dangers

How to increase fertility naturally has become one of the most searched questions today—and for good reason. Fertility rates are at an all-time low, and while age, stress, and diet are often blamed, one of the most overlooked threats is hiding in plain sight:

🧴 Your body care products.
🧼 Your cleaning supplies.

These everyday items are filled with endocrine-disrupting, sperm-damaging chemicals—ingredients that interfere with your hormones and can quietly sabotage your fertility.

And the worst part? Many of them are labeled “safe” or “natural,” even when they’re anything but.

In this guide, we’ll expose the truth about these hidden toxins and show you simple, low-tox swaps to reduce your exposure, support hormone health, and align your fertility journey with God’s design.

❤️ A Loving Note Before We Begin

If you’re reading this because you’re hoping, praying, or even quietly aching for a child—please know that you are not alone.

We may have a large family, but we’ve also walked alongside dear friends, family, and members of our community through the silent struggles of infertility, miscarriage, and waiting. This journey is deeply personal and often deeply painful.

That’s why we want to be clear from the start:

This article is not about blame.
It’s not a promise of quick fixes.
And it’s certainly not here to tell you what you “should” have done.

Our heart is to encourage and equip you—with research-backed, faith-based tools that can support your health and give your body its best chance to thrive. But more than that, we want you to feel seen, heard, and covered in prayer.

You are being lifted up—by us and by our prayer team.
We’re asking God to meet you with peace, strength, and hope—no matter where you are on your journey.

We’re honored to walk this road with you.

~ Dr. Z, Mama Z and the Natural Living Family Prayer Team

The Fertility Crisis No One’s Talking About

We live in a world that’s saturated with synthetic chemicals, and our bodies are paying the price. This post will look at their effects on fertility and present easy swaps to minimize your toxic load. Over the past 50 years, fertility rates have dropped dramatically. According to the CDC, about 1 in 7 or so women of childbearing age struggle with female infertility. And female infertility means that it’s just the women. Sperm counts in men have declined by significantly since the 1970s, although it can be difficult to measure accurately.

The truth is, your body was never meant to deal with the toxic overload of modern living. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in everything from personal care products to household cleaners, processed food to gym supplements. And many of them directly interfere with the hormones that regulate fertility, impacting your chances of conception.

Even seemingly “healthy” choices, like using protein powder or applying scented lotion, could be sabotaging your ability to conceive and maintain a successful pregnancy. But you don’t have to accept that.

At Natural Living Family, we believe your body is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) and when you remove the harmful influences and nourish it properly, healing and balance can return.

Let’s explore what’s really behind the infertility epidemic and how you can begin to restore male and female fertility. To maximize your health, your hope, and your future.

How to Improve Male Fertility – 10 Surprising Risks

If you’re hoping to become a father or even just keep your hormones in balance long-term, what you donʼt put on or in your body can be just as important as what you do. When it comes to natural fertility, making sure that your body isn’t subjected to harmful substances will be huge.

The male reproductive system is incredibly sensitive to toxins. Chemicals found in plastics, personal care products, gym supplements, and even air pollution can all have an impact on fertility. These can interfere with testosterone production, destroy sperm health, damage sperm DNA, and cause other fertility issues, reducing your chances of fathering a child.

Here are 10 of the most common male fertility disruptors…

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizers used to make products more flexible and durable. But numerous studies show, they have adverse effects on the male reproductive system by mimicking or blocking necessary hormones. Daily exposure through toxic body care and plastic packaging is almost unavoidable without intentional swaps.

Common Sources:

• Plastic containers and food wraps
• Vinyl flooring and shower curtains
• Scented body wash, cologne, and lotions
• Air fresheners and cleaning sprays

Fertility Risks:

• Decreases testosterone production
• Lowers sperm count and motility (decreasing chances of pregnancy)
• Impairs sperm fertilization ability
• Disrupts enzymes critical to hormone regulation

Phthalates are among the most studied fertility-disrupting chemicals, with multiple human and animal studies confirming their link to lower sperm quality and hormone imbalance. A 2021 review of numerous studies confirmed consistent findings: higher phthalate levels in men correlate with poorer semen quality and decreased testosterone. Swapping plastic and synthetic fragrances for glass and essential oil-based alternatives can significantly reduce your exposure.

2. BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA is a synthetic compound commonly used in plastics and can linings so it feels like itʼs virtually everywhere. Like phthalates, it acts as an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen and throwing off the natural hormonal balance needed for sperm production and male reproductive function.

Common Sources:

• Plastic water bottles and reusable food containers
• Canned food linings
• Thermal paper receipts

Fertility Risks:

• Causes testicular toxicity
• Lowers sperm concentration and motility
• Increases sperm DNA fragmentation
• Disrupts hormone regulation in the testes

Avoiding plastic food storage and switching to glass water bottles can go a long way toward protecting your reproductive health.

3. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

PFAS are water- and stain-resistant chemicals used in everything from cookware to athletic gear. These compounds persist in the body and environment for years and accumulate in protein-rich tissues like the testes, where they interfere with sperm quality.

Common Sources:

• Nonstick cookware (Teflon)
• Microwave popcorn bags
• Stain-resistant furniture and clothing
• Food packaging and takeout containers

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces sperm concentration
• Lowers serum and testicular testosterone
• Increases sperm DNA fragmentation
• Disrupts steroid hormone production

Studies show that men with elevated PFAS levels experience significantly lower sperm counts and testosterone levels. PFOS and PFOA are particularly harmful. Opting for PFAS – free products and using stainless steel cookware helps reduce risk.

4. Pesticides

Pesticides—especially organophosphates and glyphosate—are potent hormone disruptors found in food and the environment. Men exposed occupationally or through dietary patterns are at greater risk of reduced fertility.

Common Sources:

• Conventionally grown fruits and vegetables
• Lawn and garden treatments
• Contaminated water
• Occupational exposure (farmers, landscapers)

Fertility Risks:

• Increases sperm DNA fragmentation
• Reduces sperm count and motility
• Alters sperm morphology
• Disrupts hormone production

The 2022 meta-analysis confirms that men exposed to higher levels of pesticides suffer from significantly reduced semen quality and increased infertility risk. Buying organic as part of a healthy diet and using natural lawn care solutions and organic gardening techniques can lower your cumulative burden.

5. Heavy Metals

Lead, cadmium, and mercury are environmental toxins that build up in the body and wreak havoc on male fertility.

Common Sources:

• Mercury in large fish (tuna, swordfish)
• Lead in old pipes and paint
• Cadmium in cigarette smoke and batteries
• Industrial pollutants

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces sperm motility and viability
• Causes abnormal sperm morphology
• Disrupts hormone synthesis and balance
• Damages seminiferous tubules in testes

A 2024 review and meta-analysis concluded that heavy metal exposure correlates with degraded sperm function, especially in occupationally exposed men. Filter water in your home, choose low-mercury seafoods, and avoid smoke exposure as key protective steps.

6. PBDEs (Flame Retardants)

PBDEs are added to electronics and upholstered furniture to reduce flammability, but they can impair male fertility by accumulating in fat tissues and disrupting hormone signals. These chemicals have been detected in human serum, sperm, and breast milk.

Common Sources:

• Furniture foam and mattresses
• Electronics (TVs, computers)
• Vehicle interiors
• Household dust

Fertility Risks:

• Impairs sperm development and maturation (depending on timing of exposure)
• Decreases sperm production
• Disrupts Leydig cell function (testosterone synthesis)
• Alters hormone receptor activity

Animal studies and human biomonitoring show PBDE exposure reduces daily sperm production by up to 30%. Look for PBDE-free labels and vacuum with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor dust exposure.

7. PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Although banned in the 1970s, PCBs persist in the environment and continue to affect men through food and household exposure. These hormone disruptors impair sperm motility and hormone regulation.

Common Sources:

• Fatty fish (especially farmed)
• Older electrical devices and transformers
• Legacy building materials
• Contaminated soil and dust

Fertility Risks:

• Lowers testosterone levels
• Reduces sperm motility
• Alters sperm morphology
• Increases oxidative stress in reproductive tissues

A 2020 cross-sectional study confirmed a dose-dependent relationship between semen PCB levels and lower sperm motility. Limit exposure by avoiding high-fat farmed fish. These chemicals are linked to female infertility as well.

8. Air Pollution

Airborne toxins like PM2.5, NO2, and ozone arenʼt just bad for your lungs. They also harm reproductive health. These particles enter the bloodstream and directly affect hormone- producing organs and sperm DNA.

Common Sources:

• Vehicle emissions
• Industrial smoke and smog
• Wildfire smoke
• Urban environments

Fertility Risks:

• Causes sperm DNA fragmentation
• Lowers testosterone production
• Impairs sperm morphology and movement
• Increases inflammation and oxidative stress

Men living in high-pollution areas consistently show higher rates of infertility and poor semen quality. Reduce risk by purifying indoor air and avoiding outdoor activity during peak pollution hours to encourage healthy sperm production.

9. Anabolic Steroids & Workout Supplements

Fitness supplements and steroid-enhanced stacks often promise muscle gain, but at a cost to male fertility.

Common Sources:

• Anabolic steroids
• Testosterone-boosting supplements
• Performance-enhancing stacks
• Some over-the-counter gym products

Fertility Risks:

• Suppresses spermatogenesis (sperm production)
• Causes hormonal imbalance
• Leads to temporary or long-term infertility
• Reduces testicular volume and function

The evidence confirms that even legal supplements can suppress the hypothalamic- pituitary-gonadal axis. Choose muscle-building strategies that donʼt compromise reproductive health.

10. Alcohol & Tobacco Toxins

Alcohol and tobacco products expose the body to heavy metals, reactive chemicals, and oxidative stress, which all harm sperm function and reduce fertility.

Common Sources:

• Cigarettes (benzene, cadmium, arsenic)
• Alcohol (acetaldehyde, free radicals)
• Vapes and smokeless tobacco
• Secondhand smoke

Fertility Risks:

• Decreased sperm count and motility
• Increased sperm DNA fragmentation
• Reduced testosterone production
• Hormonal and oxidative damage

A 2019 study confirms that alcohol and tobacco significantly impair semen quality and raise the risk of infertility. Eliminating smoking and moderating alcohol can help restore hormone balance, optimize health conditions in your body, and increase sperm health.

How to Improve Female Fertility – Avoid These Ten Common Toxins

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are chemical plasticizers used in personal care products and packaging that mimic estrogen, disturb ovarian hormone production, and are linked to reduced ovarian reserve and anovulation.

Common Sources:

• Scented lotions, perfumes, and deodorants
• Soft plastic food packaging
• Vinyl shower curtains and flooring
• Hair sprays and nail polishes

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces ovarian reserve
• Causes anovulatory infertility (lack of ovulation)
• Disrupts estrogen and progesterone levels
• Increases infertility risk during IVF

A 2021 study found a strong correlation between urinary phthalate metabolites and reduced antral follicle counts in women undergoing fertility treatment. Avoiding synthetic fragrances and plastic food containers can reduce female exposure risks.

2. BPA (Bisphenol A)

BPA is a synthetic estrogen found in food and drink packaging that mimics natural estrogen in the body. It interferes with the menstrual cycle, lowers egg quality, and impairs embryo implantation (increasing the risk of pregnancy complications).

Common Sources:

• Canned food linings
• Plastic water bottles and containers
• Store receipts (thermal paper)
• Processed food packaging

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces oocyte (egg) quality
• Disrupts implantation
• Alters menstrual cycle patterns
• Increases miscarriage risk

According to a 2016 cohort study, female exposure to higher BPA levels experienced poorer IVF outcomes, including fewer mature oocytes and lower implantation success. Glass containers and BPA-free products offer safer alternatives.

3. PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

PFAS are long-lasting chemicals used for their water- and grease-resistant properties, but they accumulate in the body and interfere with reproductive hormones. These toxins can delay conception and reduce pregnancy success rates.

Common Sources:

• Nonstick cookware
• Fast food wrappers
• Waterproof makeup and sunscreens
• Water-repellent clothing

Fertility Risks:

• Delays time to pregnancy
• Reduces fertility and implantation rates
• Disrupts estrogen and FSH levels
• Accelerates follicle depletion

A 2023 meta-analysis showed that PFAS exposure significantly lowers fecundability and prolongs time to conception. Opting for PFAS-free cookware and reducing processed food as part of your normal dietary patterns can help.

4. Pesticides

Pesticides used in agriculture and landscaping can impair female fertility by disrupting hormone function and damaging developing follicles. Long-term female exposure has been linked to lower pregnancy rates and earlier menopause.

Common Sources:

• Conventionally grown produce
• Lawn and garden chemicals
• Grain-based products
• Farm and greenhouse work environments

Fertility Risks:

• Decreases oocyte quality
• Disrupts estrogen and progesterone production
• Damages ovarian follicles
• Reduces conception and live birth rates

Research confirms that female exposure to higher levels of pesticides has reduced pregnancy rates and impaired ovarian function. Try organic gardening techniques around your home instead.

5. Parabens

Parabens are widely used preservatives in cosmetics and personal care items. These compounds act as weak estrogens and interfere with hormone regulation, particularly in tissues related to menstruation and ovulation.

Common Sources:

• Shampoos and conditioners
• Moisturizers and facial cleansers
• Foundations, mascaras, and lipsticks
• Sunscreens and deodorants

Fertility Risks:

• Shortens menstrual cycles
• Alters estrogen metabolism
• Impairs ovarian function
• Disrupts reproductive hormone balance

Parabens are readily absorbed through the skin and have been detected in human tissues and fluids, impacting menstrual and ovarian health. Switching to paraben-free cosmetics and healthy skincare creams is an easy fertility-friendly move that may help prevent ovulation disorder and increase chances of pregnancy.

6. PBDEs (Flame Retardants)

PBDEs are flame retardants that accumulate in body fat and can be passed to the reproductive system through circulation. These compounds are linked to failed embryo implantation and disrupted thyroid function.

Common Sources:

• Furniture and mattresses
• Electronics (TVs, computers)
• Vehicle upholstery and foam
• Household dust

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces implantation success
• Disrupts thyroid hormone levels
• Lowers fertilization and egg quality
• Interferes with granulosa cell function

A narrative review published in Environmental Health Perspectives highlights the relationship between PBDE exposure and a longer time to seeing those positive pregnancy tests. Using PBDE-free home products and improving indoor air quality can reduce these risks.

7. Heavy Metals

Toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury interfere with female reproductive hormones and follicular health. These elements are often found in polluted environments and everyday products.

Common Sources:

• Mercury in seafood (tuna, swordfish)
• Lead in old plumbing and paints
• Cadmium in cigarette smoke and soil
• Contaminated drinking water

Fertility Risks:

• Disrupts hormone synthesis
• Damages ovarian follicles, creating ovulatory infertility
• Increases oxidative stress and inflammation
• Impairs placental and fetal development

In 2023 the journal Toxics confirmed that heavy metals are linked to reduced ovarian function (ovulatory infertility) and heightened pregnancy risks. Consuming low-mercury fish, filtering water, and avoiding smoke are protective steps.

8. PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)

Despite being banned decades ago, PCBs remain in the environment and are still found in the food chain. These chemicals are known to disrupt female hormones and reduce fertility outcomes.

Common Sources:

• Farmed fish (especially fatty types)
• Old electrical equipment
• Industrial building materials
• Soil and water contamination

Fertility Risks:

• Irregular cycles and ovulatory dysfunction
• Increased miscarriage risk is possible
• Poor IVF implantation rates is a risk
• Reduces pregnancy and live birth success

The 2024 review confirms that PCBs impair reproductive health in women, especially those undergoing IVF.

9. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a volatile chemical used in many industrial and household products. It has been linked to menstrual irregularities and higher miscarriage rates (spontaneous abortions), especially in occupational settings.

Common Sources:

• Cleaning products
• Wood glues and pressed-wood furniture
• Nail polishes and hardeners
• Cigarette smoke and combustion byproducts

Fertility Risks:

• Disrupts menstrual regularity
• Increases risk of miscarriage (spontaneous abortions)
• Alters hormone levels
• Affects placental development

Studies from Occupational and Environmental Medicine and others, have shown higher rates of fertility disruption in women exposed to formaldehyde. Using natural cleaners and avoiding synthetic nail products helps reduce female exposure.

10. Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial compound that acts as a xenoestrogen and alters reproductive hormone balance. Though banned from some products, itʼs still used in personal care and hygiene items.

Common Sources:

• Antibacterial soaps and toothpaste
• Deodorants and shaving gels
• Household cleaners
• Some fabrics and toys

Fertility Risks:

• Reduces fecundity (biological fertility)
• Delayed time to pregnancy is possible
• Disrupts thyroid and reproductive hormones
• Increases oxidative stress in reproductive tissues

According to a 2022 prospective study, there are links between higher triclosan exposure to endocrine disruption. It is associated with a decrease in the probability of conception and hormone imbalance. Choose triclosan-free products and natural hygiene alternatives for fertility support.

Natural Steps to Support Fertility & Embrace Low-Tox Living

Restoring fertility doesnʼt always require invasive procedures or expensive treatments. Sometimes, the most powerful changes are the simplest: reducing toxin exposure, nourishing your body, and trusting the Lordʼs perfect timing.

Whether youʼre planning for a baby or simply want to rebalance your hormones and protect your long-term health, these natural strategies can help lay a strong foundation for fertility. We recognize there’s a time and place for medical help and interventions, but those efforts will be more likely to succeed when you’re not overloading your body with environmental pollutants known to impact fertility negatively.

Switch to Natural Body Care Products

Your skin is your largest organ—and it absorbs what you put on it. Most commercial products are filled with hormone disruptors like phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances that can impair both male and female fertility.

Simple Steps:

• Swap conventional deodorant for our DIY Essential Oil Deodorant
• Make your own Whipped Body Butter
• Look for paraben-free, fragrance-free products such as Dream Cream when shopping
• Make your own oral health care like tooth polish or mouthwash.

Eat Clean, Organic, & Fertility-Supportive Foods

Pesticides, heavy metals, and BPA can sneak into your body through food. Supporting your fertility starts in your kitchen—with clean proteins, healthy fats, and toxin-free produce. You should not only eat a healthy, balanced diet, but be sure it is organic whenever possible.

Simple Steps:

• Choose organic fruits and vegetables (especially when it comes to the Dirty Dozen) to minimize your toxic load
• Avoid plastic food storage—use glass containers and stainless steel water bottles
• Focus on hormone-balancing nutrients like zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins
• Maintain a healthy weight. Eating bioactive foods, healthy fats, and staying active can all help you reach and stay at an ideal weight for you and your body.

Use Essential Oils for Hormone Balance

Essential oils can be a gentle, effective way to support hormone health and emotional well-being. Oils like clary sage, fennel, and ylang ylang have been traditionally used to promote balance in the reproductive system.

Simple Steps:

• Hormone Support Essential Oil Blend
• Diffuse calming oils like lavender and frankincense to reduce cortisol
• Swap to using one of our diffuser blend recipes in the place of toxic air fresheners to avoid hormone disruptors.

Detox Your Home Environment

Your home should be a haven, not a hidden source of hormone disruptors. From air fresheners to floor cleaners, many everyday products contain VOCs and chemicals that interfere with fertility.

Simple Steps:

• Swap synthetic scents for DIY Air Fresheners
• Use our Natural Floor Cleaner Recipe
• Open windows, add indoor houseplants, and use a HEPA filter to clean indoor air
• Use reverse osmosis water filters in your home to ensure you’re drinking safe water, not tap water.

Prioritize Emotional Healing & Rest

Stress—especially chronic emotional or spiritual stress—can impair ovulation, lower sperm count, and disrupt hormonal balance. Your heart and mind need care, too.

Simple Steps:

• Explore our guide on The Importance of Emotional Healing
• Incorporate prayer, journaling, or time in nature
• Practice gratitude and remind yourself that Godʼs plan is still unfolding “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.ˮ – Psalm 113:9

Know the Risks of Birth Control on Fertility

While hormonal birth control is often presented as harmless, research shows it can have effects on reproductive health, even after you stop using it. Birth control may deplete nutrients, suppress natural ovulation rhythms, and delay the return of your fertile periods each month.

Read our in-depth article on The Risks of Birth Control for more information about why your fertility journey may be something you should think carefully about.

Live a Low-Tox Life—One Step at a Time

You donʼt need to do everything overnight. Start by swapping one product, cleaning up one meal, or making one room in your house a toxin-free sanctuary. Each step moves you closer to the balanced, vibrant health God intended for you.

You were created for life, and your body is capable of more than you know.

Infertility can feel overwhelming, but itʼs not the end of your story. By understanding the hidden toxins working against your hormones and taking intentional steps to support your body, you can create an environment where fertility can thrive.

Your body was wonderfully made, and with the right support, it can begin to heal. From detoxing your home to choosing clean body care and embracing faith-based rest, every decision you make matters. Trust the process, trust your body, and most of all trust the One who created it.

“For I know the plans I have for you,ˮ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.ˮ – Jeremiah 29:11

Whether youʼre just starting your fertility journey or looking to restore balance naturally, weʼre here to walk with you, one healthy, hope-filled step at a time as you seek to live an abundant life.

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