How to Reduce Toxins for Fertility: The Essential Guide

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

Infertility is common – about 15% of couples struggle to conceive, and male factors account for roughly one-third of those cases [8]. Fortunately, many contributors to fertility can be managed. Research increasingly shows that everyday toxins – especially endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics and household products – can harm male reproductive health [1][6]. For example, studies report that sperm counts have dropped dramatically over the past few decades (one analysis found global sperm concentrations fell by ~50% between 1973 and 2018 [3]). This decline has coincided with rising exposure to EDCs like BPA, phthalates, PFAS, and pesticides. By understanding where these chemicals hide and taking simple steps, you can protect your fertility – and help the planet too.

What Are Endocrine Disruptors and Why They Matter

Endocrine disruptors are natural or human-made chemicals that mimic or block hormones in the body [9]. Since hormones regulate growth, metabolism, and reproduction, even small disturbances can have big effects. Scientists have linked many EDCs to lower sperm quality and other reproductive problems [1][6]. For example, a recent review found strong evidence that exposure to EDCs (phenols like BPA, plasticizers called phthalates, and common pesticides) has negative effects on male fertility [6]. Another analysis confirmed that higher bisphenol A (BPA) exposure – a chemical often found in food packaging – correlates with significantly lower sperm concentration and count [4]. In short, chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system can reduce sperm production and even shift hormone balance against reproductive health.

What’s more, EDCs are everywhere. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that “endocrine disruptors are found in many everyday products, including some cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, toys, carpet, and pesticides,” and they can enter the body via skin, air, water or food [9]. Many flame retardants used in furniture and electronics, and textile treatments on clothing, can also act as endocrine disruptors. The Endocrine Society emphasizes that EDCs have been linked to “alterations in sperm quality and fertility” in people [1]. The good news: while we can’t avoid all exposures, we can make smart choices to cut our contact with these chemicals.

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Common Sources of Toxins in Everyday Life

To reduce toxins, first learn where they hide. Some key sources for men include:

  • Food packaging and containers: Plastics and can linings often contain BPA or related phenols, which can leach into food and drinks. The Mayo Clinic notes that BPA is used in polycarbonate plastics (like water bottles) and epoxy resins lining metal cans [5]. Heating or scratching plastic (e.g. in a microwave) can release more BPA into food [5]. To lower exposure, avoid heating food in plastic and choose fresh or frozen foods instead of canned or packaged ones [5].
  • Personal care and grooming products: Many cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and fragrances contain phthalates (used to hold scent) and other plasticizers. The FDA specifically lists nail polish, hair spray, aftershave, cleansers and shampoos as products that “may contain phthalates.” [2]. Since phthalates are known EDCs that can impair testosterone and sperm production, check labels and use phthalate-free or fragrance-free products when possible.
  • Household goods: Carpets, electronics, upholstered furniture and even dust can harbor chemicals like flame retardants and PFAS (the “forever chemicals” in nonstick coatings and stain-resistant fabrics). Reducing household dust (vacuuming HEPA filters, using wet cloths) and choosing organic or natural furnishings (e.g. wool carpets) can help. Also, avoid pesticides and strong solvents at home.
  • Synthetic clothing: Many fabrics (especially polyester, nylon, etc.) are made with plastic-based fibers that can contain residual chemicals. Tight, synthetic clothing can both hold in heat and trap skin oils containing toxins. Studies show that scrotal temperature rises even with slightly tighter underwear [11]. Research at Harvard found men who “most frequently wore boxers had higher sperm concentration and total count” than those who wore tighter underwear [7]. Likewise, the UK’s NHS recommends “wear loose fitting underwear” to keep testicles cool and healthy [10]. Choosing natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, bamboo) and looser styles can reduce both heat and direct chemical contact with sensitive skin.

By recognizing these sources, you can swap to safer options. For instance, use glass or stainless steel for food storage, avoid plastic bottles, and filter tap water to reduce unwanted chemicals. In personal care, look for products labeled free of phthalates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. In the home, improve ventilation and use “green” cleaning products. Every little change adds up.

Actionable Steps to Reduce Toxin Exposure

Here are practical steps to cut down your exposure to endocrine disruptors and plastics:

  • Switch Containers: Use glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free containers for food and drinks [5]. Don’t microwave or wash plastic dishes that aren’t clearly labeled safe. Carry water in a reusable bottle made of steel or glass, not polycarbonate.
  • Choose Fresh Foods: Whenever possible, favor fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned goods (canned liners often contain BPA). Eating whole foods also minimizes exposure to processed food additives and packaging toxins.
  • Cook Smart: Avoid heating food in plastic. Instead, heat leftovers in a glass or ceramic dish. Food cooked in cast iron or stainless steel won’t leach plastics. If cooking with nonstick pans, replace them if the coating is scratched.
  • Shop Clean Cosmetics: Read labels on personal care products. Skip products listing “fragrance” (which can hide phthalates) or phthalate chemical names (like DBP, DEP). Opt for unscented, organic, or pharmacy-grade grooming products.
  • Filter Water: A good water filter (activated carbon/charcoal or reverse osmosis) can remove many contaminants, including some EDCs, from drinking water. This is an easy way to cut down a variety of toxins.
  • Limit Household Chemicals: Use natural or “green” cleaning products. Avoid aerosols and sprays. When buying furniture or carpets, look for low-VOC or untreated materials (since flame retardants are often sprayed on).
  • Check Jobs and Hobbies: If you work with plastics, paints, or solvents, take precautions (gloves, masks). And be mindful of hobbies like auto work or gardening with pesticides – use protective gear.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet and Body: Obesity and poor diet can exacerbate toxin effects. Eat antioxidant-rich foods (berries, greens, nuts) to help your body clear chemicals, and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise can help metabolize some pollutants.

Remember: you can’t avoid all exposures, but these changes can dramatically reduce your burden of toxins. When it comes to plastics and endocrine disruptors, small everyday choices make a big difference over time.

Why Clothing Choices Matter for Reproductive Health

What you wear, especially underwear, can directly influence fertility. Tight synthetic fabrics hold in heat, and heat is a known enemy of sperm production. The Harvard study cited above found boxers beat briefs: men who “reported most frequently wearing boxers had higher sperm concentration and total count” [7]. Similarly, the NHS and experts warn that snug underwear raises scrotal temperature, which “may affect the quality of your sperm.” [10].

Beyond fit, synthetic fabrics (polyester, nylon) can carry residues of chemicals from manufacturing. In contrast, natural fibers like cotton or bamboo allow skin to breathe and usually involve fewer industrial chemicals. This is one reason why choosing natural-fiber underwear is often recommended for testicular health. For example, switching to Mr. Fertyl’s underwear – made from breathable bamboo – can help keep things cooler while cutting out synthetic materials next to the skin. Bamboo is also naturally antimicrobial and very soft, making it a comfortable choice. (Plus, bamboo as a plant is water-efficient and often grown without pesticides, a win for the planet.) By choosing boxers or bamboo briefs instead of tight synthetic briefs, you support both your fertility and environmental sustainability.

Along with underwear, avoid sitting with a laptop on your lap for long periods. Position it on a desk or use a cooling pad. When exercising, wear loose clothing. Every bit of cooling helps, since even a half-degree drop in scrotal temperature can improve sperm production.

Bonus Benefit: Helping the Planet

Reducing plastic use isn’t just good for you – it helps the environment too. Every time you swap a plastic bottle for a reusable one, or pick bamboo underwear over polyester, you’re cutting down waste. Bamboo is a sustainable fabric: it grows quickly with less water and fewer pesticides than cotton, and fabrics made from bamboo or cotton are biodegradable [12]. (The takeaway: you can boost your reproductive health and minimize your eco-footprint at once.) Over time, small lifestyle changes – like carrying groceries in cloth bags, avoiding single-use plastics, and choosing eco-friendly clothing – add up to a healthier planet. And that’s great news for fertility, since a cleaner environment means fewer hormone-disrupting chemicals in our food and water in the first place.

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You’re Not Alone – Stay Positive and Empowered

Fertility challenges can feel overwhelming, but remember they’re common and often manageable. Roughly 1 in 6 couples face fertility issues, and of those, about one-third are linked to male factors [8]. Knowing that, you’re definitely not alone. What matters is taking proactive steps – and the steps above can help you feel more in control.

It’s okay to start small: swap one plastic habit today, try organic grooming products this month, or throw out that nonstick pan when it’s worn. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Celebrate each change you make. If you feel stressed, talk to a healthcare provider – stress itself can affect fertility too, and professionals can offer personalized advice.

Above all, be kind to yourself. Environmental factors are just part of the story. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol are also key to fertility. By adjusting your lifestyle and home environment, you’re empowering your reproductive health without guilt or shame. Think of this journey as “exploring” your environment – testing what works best for you and the planet.

Your body is resilient. With the right changes, you can greatly reduce your toxic load. Remember: knowledge is power. Armed with facts from research, you’re making informed choices to protect your fertility. Every glass container, phthalate-free lotion, and breathable pair of bamboo underwear is a step toward a healthier reproductive future.

Live life confidently, knowing you’re doing what you can to safeguard your fertility and the environment. By cutting out toxic plastics and endocrine disruptors, you not only support your family-planning goals but also contribute to a cleaner planet for everyone. Stay curious, stay proactive, and take heart – many men find that these positive changes make a real difference. You’ve got this!

  1. Endocrine Society. (2022, January 24). Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Source.
  2. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Phthalates in Cosmetics. Source.
  3. Levine, H., Jørgensen, N., Martino-Andrade, A., Mendiola, J., Weksler-Derri, D., Jolles, M., Pinotti, R., & Swan, S. H. (2023). Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and 21st centuries. Human Reproduction Update, 29(2), 157–176. Source.
  4. Lü, L., Liu, Y., Yang, Y., He, J., Luo, L., Chen, S., & Xing, H. (2024). Bisphenol A exposure interferes with reproductive hormones and decreases sperm counts: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Toxics, 12(4), 294. Source.
  5. Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). What is BPA? Should I be worried about it? Source.
  6. Mínguez-Alarcón, L., Gaskins, A. J., Meeker, J. D., Braun, J. M., & Chavarro, J. E. (2023). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and male reproductive health. Fertility and Sterility, 120(6), 1138–1149. Source.
  7. Mínguez-Alarcón, L., Gaskins, A. J., Chiu, Y.-H., Messerlian, C., Williams, P. L., Ford, J. B., Souter, I., Hauser, R., & Chavarro, J. E. (2018). Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center. Human Reproduction, 33(9), 1749–1756. Source.
  8. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (n.d.). How common is male infertility, and what are its causes? Source.
  9. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Endocrine Disruptors. Source.
  10. NHS (National Health Service, UK). (2024, January 26). Low sperm count. Source.
  11. McVean, A. (2020, September 2). Facts and myths of male fertility: Tight underwear, hot tubs, marijuana, and more. McGill Office for Science and Society. Source.
  12. Shakil, S. (2025, January 16). Bamboo fiber: A sustainable alternative to cotton. Textile Focus. Source.