Can small changes in your daily life support your fertility? Science says yes. We’re here to support you with compassionate care and equip you with knowledge—not fear. Let’s explore how our environment affects fertility and what we can do about it together.

‍

The impact of environmental factors on reproductive health is more critical than ever. As industrial chemical production has surged over recent decades, so too have rates of infertility, early puberty, preterm birth, and chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. This trend is not coincidental.

‍

According to Dr. Thalia Segal, founder of Collab Fertility, a leading expert on the effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health, and co-author of one of the premier textbooks on reproductive endocrinology, certain environmental chemicals—known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems and may contribute to adverse reproductive health outcomes. These EDCs, found in common household products like plastics (e.g., BPA, phthalates), pesticides, personal care items, and even children’s toys, can disrupt hormone function by binding to hormone receptors, altering gene expression, and affecting epigenetic processes [1].

‍

Dr. Segal has spent years researching how chemicals like BPA and phthalates affect fertility. A scientific paper she co-authored states, “There is growing consensus that preconception exposure to environmental toxins can adversely affect fertility, pregnancy, and fetal development, which may persist into the neonatal and adult periods and potentially have multigenerational effects [potentially impacting fertility in the individual exposed and their descendants].”

‍

Dr. Segal is a vocal advocate for stronger regulations and policies to limit the presence of toxic chemicals in our environment. In this blog, we’ll explore how endocrine disruptors impact fertility, why it’s crucial to minimize exposure, and how to take proactive steps to protect your reproductive health.

‍

What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with the body’s hormonal system. They can alter hormone production, distribution, and regulation, leading to potential negative health outcomes, including infertility. Many EDCs are ubiquitous in our everyday environment, often found in plastics, personal care products, household cleaners, food packaging, and more.

Two of the most commonly studied and concerning EDCs are phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). These chemicals can subtly disrupt the endocrine system in ways that may take years to become evident, particularly in fertility.

‍

How BPA and Phthalates affect fertility

BPA: A hidden fertility threat

‍

BPA is a synthetic chemical commonly found in hard plastics and resins. It’s used to produce water bottles, food containers, canned goods, and even thermal receipts. Research has shown that BPA mimics estrogen, a hormone essential for reproductive health. It can disrupt the natural hormonal balance, making it harder to conceive.

For women, exposure to BPA is linked to lower egg quality, disrupted ovarian development, and an increased risk of miscarriage. For men, BPA can negatively affect sperm quality and reduce overall fertility. Studies also indicate that BPA exposure is associated with other health risks, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

‍

Phthalates: The plasticizers you should avoid

Phthalates are a group of chemicals primarily used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They’re found in everything from vinyl flooring and shower curtains to personal care products like shampoos, deodorants, and perfumes. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors because they interfere with hormone function.

For those trying to conceive, phthalates can have serious consequences. Studies have shown that phthalate exposure is linked to reduced sperm count, lower fertilization rates, and increased difficulty with conception in both men and women [2]. In addition, phthalates can disrupt prenatal development, affecting ovarian function and the timing of menopause, leading to long-term reproductive health consequences.

‍

Why it’s critical to limit exposure to toxins before, during, and after pregnancy

Current research highlights a simple but powerful message: limiting exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates in the months leading up to conception—and continuing throughout pregnancy and infancy—can significantly improve reproductive outcomes [3] [4].

Exposure to these chemicals doesn’t just affect the individual trying to conceive; it can also impact the future health of the child. For example, prenatal exposure to phthalates is associated with developmental delays, lower IQ, and an increased risk of conditions like ADHD and asthma. The good news is that reducing exposure to these toxins can help mitigate these risks.

‍

How to reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals

At Collab, a cutting-edge fertility clinic in Walnut Creek, CA, we’re not just about treating fertility—we’re committed to helping you live a healthier, toxin-free life. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce your exposure to BPA and phthalates:

1. Avoid Plastic Packaging: Choose fresh, unpackaged food when possible. Avoid plastic containers with recycling codes 3, 6, or 7, which may contain harmful chemicals like BPA.
2. Switch to Glass or Stainless Steel: When storing food or liquids, use glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic. Never microwave plastic, as heat can cause chemicals to leach into food.
3. Choose Phthalate-Free Personal Care Products: Many personal care products contain fragrances that may include phthalates. Look for fragrance-free, phthalate-free options.
4. Clean Your Home Regularly: Dust, mop, and vacuum often to reduce the presence of chemicals in household dust.
5. Opt for Organic Foods: Organic produce tends to have fewer pesticides and chemicals, which can reduce your exposure to harmful toxins.
6. Limit Plastic Use in Daily Life: Instead of plastic products, use alternatives such as glass containers, bamboo toothbrushes, and natural fiber cleaning cloths.

‍

The Collab Approach: Your fertility and environmental health experts

Here at Collab, we’re more than just a fertility clinic. We’re advocates for the health and well-being of all our patients. Led by Dr. Thalia Segal, we leverage cutting-edge research and provide personalized, science-based recommendations for optimizing your fertility and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals.

As part of our patient-first approach, we take a comprehensive look at your fertility journey. Our team works collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses fertility issues and helps you make informed decisions about your overall health and lifestyle.

‍

Want to learn more?

The truth is that many of the chemicals we encounter daily have the potential to impact our reproductive health. The good news is that through simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your exposure and improve your fertility outcomes. Whether you’re just starting to think about family planning or actively working on conception, our team at Collab Fertility is here to guide you every step of the way.

If you have questions about environmental toxins or want personalized advice on optimizing your fertility, reach out to us today. We're here to support you in your path to parenthood.

Dr. Segal and the Collab Fertility team are dedicated to staying at the forefront of fertility and environmental health research. Our ongoing research projects include studies on the impact of wildfire smoke on fertility, the regulation of embryonic diapause in marine life, and the effects of climate change on reproductive health. Stay tuned for more as we work toward a healthier future for all families.

Contact Collab Fertility to schedule a consultation and start your journey with a team that cares about your health as much as you do.

‍

‍

1. Yen and Jaffe’s Reproductive Endocrinology (9th Edition), Chapter 20—Environmental Factors and Reproduction
2. Eleftheria M. Panagiotou, Venla Ojasalo, Pauliina Damdimopoulou, Phthalates, ovarian function and fertility in adulthood, Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 35, Issue 5.
3. Matuszczak E, Komarowska MD, Debek W, Hermanowicz A. The Impact of Bisphenol A on Fertility, Reproductive System, and Development: A Review of the Literature. Int J Endocrinol. 2019 Apr 10;2019:4068717.
4. A. C. Gore, V. A. Chappell, S. E. Fenton, J. A. Flaws, A. Nadal, G. S. Prins, J. Toppari, R. T. Zoeller, EDC-2: The Endocrine Society's Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals, Endocrine Reviews, Volume 36, Issue 6, 1 December 2015, Pages E1–E150, https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2015-1010

‍

________________________

Proudly Supporting Local Communities
Collab Fertility is honored to serve families in Danville, Alamo, Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Piedmont, and Walnut Creek, as well as many other communities in the Bay Area and beyond, including Oakland, San Ramon, Concord, Pleasant Hill, Santa Rosa, Novato, Napa, Sonoma, and more.

‍

‍