Fertility: 10 Home Solutions Against Toxins

Introduction: What no one tells us when we try to conceive

After 18 months of unsuccessful attempts, my gynecologist told me: “The exams are normal. Keep trying. »

Easy to say.

I started looking for what I could change on my side. Food, sleep, stress… And then I discovered a factor that I had never thought of: endocrine disruptors.

These chemical substances present in our everyday products that imitate or block our hormones. And guess where we find the most? In household products.

According to INSERM, exposure to endocrine disruptors can:

Reduce egg quality

Disrupt hormonal cycles

Decrease male fertility (sperm quality)

Increase the risk of early miscarriage

I spent 6 months cleaning up my house. 3 months later, I was pregnant.

Coincidence? Maybe. But all the studies point in the same direction: reducing exposure to toxins improves the chances of conception.

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Science: Endocrine disruptors and reproduction

What the research says

A meta-analysis published in Human Reproduction Update (2021) analyzed 185 studies on the link between PE and fertility:

| Impact | Women | Men |

| Gamete quality | Poorer quality oocytes | Less numerous and mobile sperm |
| Hormones | FSH/LH disturbance, irregular cycles | Reduced testosterone |
| Implementation | Less receptive endometrium | – |
| Risk of miscarriage | Increased by 20-40% depending on exposure | – |

Endocrine disruptors in your home

| Substance | Sources | Fertility impact |

| Phthalates | Perfumes household products, plastics | Reduced sperm quality, ovulation disturbance |
| Bisphenols | Plastics, receipts | Potent xenoestrogens |
| Parabens | Cosmetics, certain detergents | Estrogenic activity |
| Triclosan | Antibacterial soaps | Thyroid disruptor |
| PFAS | Anti-adhesive, waterproofing | Reduced fertility, risk of miscarriage |

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The 10 gestures for an environment conducive to design

1. Eliminate synthetic fragrances (top priority)

Why: Synthetic perfumes contain phthalates, known to be endocrine disruptors. Daily exposure = permanent exposure.

What to ban:

Scented laundry detergents and softeners

Room air fresheners

Scented candles

“Fresh scent” household products

Alternative: Truly fragrance-free products. Clean laundry should smell… nothing.

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2. Switch to water cleaning

The principle: Clean with high-performance microfibers and water alone. Zero chemicals = zero exposure to PE.

My experience: The H2O at Home microfibers clean perfectly without any product. It has become my #1 tool since my baby project (and my pregnancy, and now with baby).

Additional advantage: No chemical residues on surfaces. Useful when baby will be there and will touch/put everything in his mouth.

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3. Ban food plastic

The problem: Plastics release bisphenols and phthalates, especially when heated.

Actions:

Glass containers for storage and reheating

Never plastic in the microwave

Glass or stainless steel bottles

Avoid plastic food films

Couple focus: It’s also important for Monsieur! Sperm quality is very sensitive to endocrine disruptors.

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4. Choose a clean laundry detergent

The rule: No perfume, no suspect preservatives, short list of ingredients.

Recommendations:

Ecocert or Nature & Progrès labels

Homemade laundry detergent (Marseille soap + soda crystals)

Double rinse to remove any residue

Tip: White vinegar as a softener. Natural, economical, risk-free.

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5. Ventilate intensively

Why: VOCs accumulate in indoor air. Aerating dilutes and evacuates them.

Design protocol:

15-20 min morning AND evening

During and after any cleaning

Create a draft if possible

When to avoid: Pollution peaks (check the ATMO index for your area)

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6. Be careful with cosmetics

The problem: Creams, shampoos, makeup… Cosmetics are a major source of exposure to PE.

Actions:

Simplify your routine (fewer products = less exposure)

Choose certified organic cosmetics (Cosmos Organic, Nature & Progrès)

Avoid synthetic fragrances in skincare

Use the INCI Beauty app to scan the compositions

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7. Rethink your kitchen

Risk zone: The kitchen contains plastics, household products, non-stick utensils, etc.

Cleaning:

H2O at Home Microfiber for surfaces

Black soap for degreasing

White vinegar for limescale

Utensils:

Stainless steel or cast iron pans (no Teflon/PFAS)

Glass or stainless steel containers

Avoid plastic utensils in heat

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8. Create a sanctuary room

The issue: You spend 8 hours/night in your room. This is where design often happens…

Optimal room:

Fragrance-free washed bed linen

Naturally treated mattress (bicarbonate)

Daily ventilation

No new furniture emitting VOCs

Couple focus: Sleep quality impacts fertility. A healthy bedroom promotes restful sleep.

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9. Involve your partner

Important: Male fertility is also impacted by PE. It’s not a “careful woman” story, it’s a couple’s project.

For Monsieur too:

Avoid plastics (containers, bottles)

No phone in the front pocket (radiation + heat)

Cotton underwear (not synthetic)

Same cosmetic precautions

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10. Anticipate the arrival of baby

Long term vision: The changes you make now will benefit the pregnancy AND the baby.

Preparation:

Start sanitation 3-6 months before conception

Think about the baby’s room (untreated furniture, zero VOC paint)

Adopt lasting habits (not a temporary “diet”)

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Table: Products to be replaced as a priority

| Current product | Fertility risk | Alternative | Efficiency |

| Multi-surface spray | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | H2O Microfiber + water | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Scented laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fragrance-free organic laundry detergent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Softener | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | White vinegar | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Air freshener | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Aeration / bicarbonate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plastic containers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Glass / stainless steel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Teflon pan | ⭐⭐⭐ | Stainless steel / cast iron | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

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FAQ: Fertility and environment

Is it really proven that PE impacts fertility?

Yes, it’s documented by hundreds of studies. INSERM, ANSES and WHO officially recognize the impact of endocrine disruptors on human reproduction.

How long before conception should you start?

Ideally 3-6 months before. The maturation cycle of oocytes is 3-4 months, that of spermatozoa 2-3 months. Environmental changes take time to have an impact.

Should my partner also be careful?

Absolutely! Sperm quality is very sensitive to PE. It’s a couple’s project.

And during pregnancy?

The same precautions apply (and even more). The fetus is particularly vulnerable to PE, especially in the first trimester.

Are “organic” products necessarily safe?

Not automatically. “Organic” is about the origin of the ingredients. Check the strict labels (Ecocert, Nature & Progrès) and the compositions.

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Conclusion: A healthy environment to welcome life

Fertility is a complex process influenced by many factors. The domestic environment is one that is often neglected.

What my journey has taught me:

EDs are everywhere but we can drastically reduce exposure

Cleaning without products is the basis for a healthy home

It’s a couple’s project: Madam AND Monsieur

My advice? Start with microfibers. It’s the simplest change with the biggest impact. H2O at Home has become my ally for a clean and healthy home.

Your future baby deserves a pure environment from conception.

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Sources

Human Reproduction Update (2021). “Environmental factors and fertility.”

INSERM. “Endocrine disruptors and reproduction.”

ANSES (2020). “EP risk assessment.”

Fertility and Sterility (2019). “Household chemical exposure and fertility.”

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*Article written by Maélis T., mother after 21 months of testing, convinced of the role of the environment in fertility. Last updated: December 2024.*