7 detox strategies to boost fertility and your odds of conceiving

According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 17.5% of adults — approximately one in six couples — experience significant challenges in conceiving. While multiple factors contribute to infertility, research increasingly points to environmental toxins as a major culprit in declining fertility rates for both men and women.

Every day, we are exposed to chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, plastics, and pollutants found in tap water, air pollution, furniture, personal care products, food containers, conventional produce, water bottles, cleaning supplies, and more.

The sheer volume of toxins can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that small, actionable steps can help reduce toxin exposure and support reproductive health. By making informed choices, you can reduce your toxic load and enhance your chances of conception.

How environmental toxins disrupt fertility

The negative impact of toxins on fertility falls into four key categories:

Hormonal disruption

Many toxins act as endocrine disruptors, mimicking or blocking hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. This interference can lead to imbalances that make conception more difficult.

Female reproductive harm

Toxins can impair ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and reduce egg quality, decreasing the likelihood of pregnancy.

Male reproductive damage

Exposure to environmental toxins can lower sperm count, affect sperm motility, and alter sperm morphology, reducing male fertility.

Impaired fetal viability

Certain toxins, such as air pollution and pesticides, can impact fetal development, increasing the risk of miscarriage or long-term health issues in offspring.

Detox tips to enhance fertility

Fortunately, there are practical ways to minimise exposure to environmental toxins and create an optimal environment for conception.

1. Use toxin-free food containers, cookware, and water bottles

Switching to safer food storage and cookware is a simple yet effective way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS.

Better alternatives include:

• Glass, stainless steel, or food-grade silicone for food storage instead of plastic.
• Stainless steel or glass water bottles filled with filtered water instead of single-use plastic.
• Ceramic, stainless steel, or cast iron cookware to avoid chemicals from non-stick surfaces.

Why it matters: Many plastics contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that leach into food and beverages, particularly when exposed to heat.

2. Choose non-toxic personal care products

Many conventional beauty and personal care products contain harmful substances linked to hormone disruption and reproductive harm.

Ingredients to avoid:

• parabens and phthalates (linked to estrogen disruption)
• heavy metals (found in some lipsticks and eyeliners)
• formaldehyde and methylene glycol (found in hair treatments and nail polish)
• fragrance (often a hidden source of endocrine disruptors)

What to do:

• use clean beauty brands with verified non-toxic ingredients
• check products on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep Database for safety ratings

3. Switch to non-toxic cleaning products

Many household cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and harsh chemicals that can affect hormone function and reproductive health.

Safer cleaning options:

• white vinegar and baking soda as natural alternatives
• plant-based, non-toxic brands free from synthetic fragrances and dyes
• avoid air fresheners and artificial sprays, which often contain phthalates

4. Filter your water to reduce chemical exposure

Tap water often contains contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, and PFAS, which may interfere with fertility.

Ways to improve water quality:

• Invest in a high-quality filtration system (e.g. reverse osmosis, activated carbon).
• Check local water reports via the EPA to identify specific contaminants in your area.

5. Eat a nutrient-dense diet to support natural detoxification

The food you consume plays a critical role in hormone regulation and fertility.

Key dietary recommendations:

• Eat a variety of organic fruits and vegetables to minimise pesticide exposure.
• Increase antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables.
• Prioritise fibre-rich foods to support gut health and detoxification.
• Avoid processed foods with additives, preservatives, and artificial hormones.

6. Avoid artificial fragrances and scented products

Many fragrances contain undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates, which are linked to endocrine disruption and fertility challenges.

Steps to reduce exposure:

• Choose fragrance-free lotions, perfumes, and household products.
• Use essential oils as a natural alternative to scented candles and air fresheners.
• Regularly clean and air out your home to maintain fresh air circulation.

7. Improve indoor air quality

Creating a clean home environment can significantly reduce exposure to hormone-disrupting pollutants.

How to maintain clean indoor air:

• Vacuum frequently with a HEPA-filter vacuum to reduce dust and toxins.
• Use air purifiers to filter out pollutants, especially in bedrooms.
• Open windows regularly for ventilation, as indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air.
• Reduce exposure to flame retardants by choosing natural furniture materials.

Final thoughts on fertility and detoxification

While it may seem overwhelming to eliminate all environmental toxins, the key is to focus on making small, sustainable changes. Even modest shifts, such as swapping out personal care products, choosing organic foods, and filtering drinking water, can have a meaningful impact on your fertility and long-term health.

By reducing toxin exposure and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes, you can create the best possible conditions for conception and a healthy pregnancy.

References

• Carré J, Gatimel N, et al. (2017): "Does air pollution play a role in infertility?: a systematic review"
• Conforti A, Mascia M, et al. (2018): "Air pollution and female fertility: a systematic review of literature" pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Grieger JA, Grzeskowiak LE, Bianco-Miotto T, et al. (2018). Pre-pregnancy fast food and fruit intake is associated with time to pregnancy. Human Reproduction, 33(6), 1063-1070. doi:10.1093/humrep/dey079
• Huet N. (2023): "Sperm counts worldwide are plummeting faster than we thought"
• Jain M, Singh M. (2023). Environmental Toxins and Infertility. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
• Jurewicz J, Dziewirska E, et al. (2018): "Human Semen Quality, Sperm DNA Damage, and the Level of Reproductive Hormones in Relation to Urinary Concentrations of Parabens" pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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• Ramírez Carnero A, Lestido-Cardama A, Vazquez Loureiro P, et al. (2021). Presence of PFAS in food contact materials and migration to food. Foods, 10(7), 1443. doi:10.3390/foods10071443
• Swan SH, Colino S. (2021): "Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race"
• Wang Y, Qian H. (2021). Phthalates and Their Impacts on Human Health. Healthcare, 9(5), 603. doi:10.3390/healthcare9050603