Fragrance contains chemicals known as EDCs or Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals that are known to impact both male and female fertility.
EDCs are chemicals that interfere with the body's hormonal system, and are found in many everyday products such as plastics, pesticides, and cosmetics. Exposure to endocrine disruptors has been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity in men, and menstrual cycle irregularities and reduced fertility in women with possible links to PCOS, endometriosis and fibroids. A 2020 review of 14 studies found that exposure to endocrine disruptors was associated with decreased fertility in women, and increased risk of infertility, early menopause, and reproductive cancers.
Specifically for fertility EDCs have been linked to:
✨Menstrual cycle irregularities (disrupted steroidogenesis or hormone production)
✨Higher miscarriage rates
✨Lower fertilization and embryo implantation rates
✨Decreased number of high-quality embryos in assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy.
They are found in many everyday products, including:
Bisphenol A (BPA): Used in plastics, food and drink containers, and thermal paper receipts. BPA exposure during a woman’s reproductive years has been shown to compromise embryo implantation.
Parabens - Found in cosmetic, skincare, and beauty products. Shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, face cleaner, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste; they can all contain parabens. Most common parabens: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben.
Phthalates: Used in plastics, personal care products, “fragrance”, and some pharmaceuticals.
Pesticides (Organophosphate pesticides) - We most commonly associate pesticides with food, but they can be found in body oils, essential oils, and cocoa butter too.
Sulfates - chemicals used as cleansing agents. They can be found in household cleaners and even shampoo.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Used as flame retardants in electronics, furniture, and building materials.
Dioxins: Produced during industrial processes and can be found in animal products, especially fatty fish.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): Formerly used in electrical equipment and now found in some older building materials, as well as some fish and other animal products.
Ways to Reduce exposure to the top 5 EDCs:
BPA
Choose glass containers for storage and especially heating up products
Opt for email receipts
Limit canned food or find BPA and BPS-free cans
Parabens - use platforms like https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ to find better alternatives to shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, face cleaner, sunscreen, deodorant, toothpaste, etc.
Phthalates
Store food in glass when possible, and transfer food to non-plastic dishes for eating or storage if you get takeout.
Review the ingredients of your skincare, cosmetics, and other beauty products. Reduce use of products that list added fragrances.
Pesticides
If you can, opt for organic produce, body oils, and related products whenever possible.
Wash fruits and veggies on the “dirty dozen list” before eating them.
Sulfates - Choose “sulfate-free” cleaning, skincare, cosmetic, and other beauty products whenever possible.
My recommendation? As your current products run out, replace them with a 'cleaner' alternative. This information can be overwhelming and confronting. Remember that the impact is dose-dependant so reducing your exposure (even a little bit) makes a positive impact on your reproductive health 🌼
If you're ready to take this on TODAY, join the Spring Fertility Reset for a comprehensive EDC check list and a deeper dive in optimizing your body to create a fertile environment.