You can improve your chances of healthy pregnancies by reducing your exposure to environmental toxins that affect fertility. Research shows that they can adversely affect reproductive health for both men and women. Toxic chemicals and pollutants may adversely affect eggs, sperm count, sperm motility and hormonal levels.
Infertility in seemingly healthy individuals has continued to rise in the last five decades. What has gone wrong in our affluent society? A stressful lifestyle, poor diet, adrenal exhaustion, environmental toxins, medication can all contribute to poor reproductive health. The good news is that we have control over many of these factors. Here are 4 common toxins that affect fertility.
- Foreign Hormones
Xenoestrogens are foreign hormones widely used in industrial compounds. They mimic your natural hormones and interfere with your reproductive system causing issues such as early puberty and infertility. Xenoestrogens include PCBs, BPA, phthalates, DDT, dioxin and industrial pollutants.
Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Don’t leave plastic drink bottles in the sun. Use ceramic, glass or BPA-free containers and bottles where possible. Avoid eating tin food as the lining of the tin contains BPA. Eat less hormone-injected animal products. Look for organic household cleaners.
- Heavy Metals
Reduce exposure to lead, mercury, cadmium, aluminium and arsenic that can be found in cigarette smoke, deodorants, hair dyes, lead pipes, car exhaust, paint, cosmetics, aluminium cookware, household detergents and certain medications such as aspirin and nasal sprays. These may lower libido and impair reproductive functions.
- Harmful Chemicals
Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in pesticides, herbicides, paint, organic solvents, benzenes, toluene and xylene. These may reduce the quality of eggs and sperm.
- Radiation
Cancer Treatment
Radiotherapy in cancer treatments may affect fertility in both men and women. Couples who consider conception may want to wait for a period of time after cancer treatment before trying to conceive as radiation may damage genes in the sperm. Discuss with your doctor before cancer treatment regarding preserving your sperm and protecting your testicles and eggs.
Computers, Laptops and Mobile Phones
Electromagnetic radiation may affect our sperm, eggs and embryos due its possible damaging effect on cellular DNA. Keep your computers and phones and the WIFI console away from your bedrooms. Switch them off when not in use. Get away from the screen every so often. Place plants, Epsom salts and salt lamps near your devices to absorb radiation. Take antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Use laptops away from your lap. Keep a distance from your cordless phone and use the speaker and text where possible.
Studies have shown that using laptops on your lap may affect your fertility simply by raising the temperature of your scrotum causing it to overheat. In other studies, it was shown that holding your mobile phone in your pocket or around your waist increased electromagnetic waves emission and may impair sperm quality as a result of higher free radicals and greater oxidative stress.
Are you aware of any other toxins that affect fertility? Feel free to leave a comment or contact us on 0404 017 477 Roseville NSW, Australia.
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The Author 
Jaime Kerr is a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner who has over 18 years of experience working in fertility/pregnancy support and pain management. Her gentle approach towards healing using acupuncture and Chinese medicine makes you feel safe and empowered. To contact her please call 0404 017 477 Roseville, NSW, Australia.
