Is Our Environment Silently Impacting Our Chance of Having a Baby?

IS OUR ENVIRONMENT SILENTLY IMPACTING OUR CHANCE OF HAVING A BABY?

From Dr Wael Saab, fertility consultant and senior medical director, CRGH  

As a fertility specialist with over 20 years of experience, I see a growing trend: healthy couples doing everything right yet struggling to conceive. Being labelled with “unexplained infertility” is incredibly frustrating, but modern science is starting to provide the missing pieces of the puzzle. 

Recent data has suggested that our environment is a major factor in the global fertility decline, not just our biology. 

The global sperm count crisis 

A 2023 meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update, which spans 53 countries, revealed a colossal statistic: global sperm counts have fallen by more than 50% since 1973. Even more concerning is that this decline has accelerated since the year 2000. 

This isn’t just a male fertility issue; in women, we are seeing rising rates of: 

• Endometriosis 

• Poor egg quality 

• Recurrent implantation failure 

What are Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)? 

The Endocrine Society has formally linked these reproductive challenges to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), specifically BPA and phthalates. These chemicals mimic natural hormones, confusing the body’s reproductive signals. 

These aren’t exotic toxins found only in industrial plants; they are integrated into our daily lives. Common sources of EDCs include: 

• Food & Drink: Takeaway coffee cups (plastic lining), tinned food, and plastic food packaging. 

• Fitness & health: Plastic gym bottles. 

• Personal care: Deodorants and scented candles. 

• Household items: Modern cleaning products and non-stick coatings. 

The “Plastic Detox” and fertility awareness 

While Netflix’s documentary The Plastic Detox isn’t a clinical trial, it has created conversation which was needed to educate. Protecting your fertility starts in your kitchen, your bathroom, and your daily habits, not just in a lab. 

At this stage, we don’t have causal proof, but the direction of the evidence is consistent. So for anyone thinking of starting a family, this isn’t about fear. We want to empower them by providing the information they need to make an informed decision. 

How to protect your fertility 

Reducing your toxic load may be one of the most important fertility interventions of our time. Small changes can make a significant difference: 

• Swap Plastics for Glass: Use glass or stainless steel for water bottles and food storage. 

• Rethink Your Morning Coffee: Avoid plastic-lined takeaway cups; bring your own ceramic or glass travel mug. 

• Check Your Labels: Opt for “phthalate-free” and “paraben-free” personal care products. 

• Ditch Scented Candles: Many contain synthetic fragrances that disrupt hormones; opt for beeswax or soy-based alternatives. 

Take control of your fertility journey 

If you have been diagnosed with unexplained infertility, it may be time to look deeper and get answers. At CRGH, we combine cutting-edge reproductive science with a holistic understanding of environmental impacts. 

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our specialists and learn more about how we can support your path to parenthood.