Common Endocrine Disruptors and Their Impact on Fertility

Bisphenol A (BPA)

• Interferes with ovulation, reduces egg quality, impairs implantation.
• Decreases sperm count and motility, damages DNA in sperm.
• Plastics (water bottles, food containers).
• Use BPA-free products, avoid heating food in plastic.

Phthalates

• Disrupts hormonal balance, impairs egg quality and ovarian function.
• Reduces testosterone, decreases sperm quality.
• Cosmetics, fragrances, vinyl flooring, food packaging.
• Choose phthalate-free products, avoid scented personal care items.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

• Disrupts menstrual cycles, lowers ovarian reserve, increases miscarriage risk.
• Reduces sperm count and quality, damages DNA.
• Contaminated fish, industrial products.
• Limit intake of high-mercury fish, choose wild-caught options.

Dioxins

• Linked to endometriosis, impairs ovarian function, decreases sperm production, damages sperm DNA.
• Processed foods, burning plastics, herbicides.
• Eat organic produce, reduce consumption of processed foods.

Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)

• Lowers ovarian reserve, reduces implantation success, reduces sperm quality, affects testosterone levels.
• Avoid non-stick pans, opt for stainless steel or cast iron.

Atrazine

• Impairs ovulation, increases risk of miscarriage reduces sperm production and testosterone levels.
• Herbicides, contaminated drinking water.
• Drink filtered water, choose organic produce.

Heavy Metals (Lead, Mercury, Cadmium)

• Decreases egg quality, disrupts ovarian reserve, reduces sperm quality, disrupts testosterone production.
• Contaminated water, industrial emissions, fish (mercury).
• Drink filtered water, reduce consumption of large predatory fish.

Flame Retardants (PBDEs)

• Alters hormone balance, reduces ovarian reserve Impairs sperm motility and count, disrupts thyroid hormones.
• Furniture, electronics, mattresses.
• Choose flame-retardant-free furniture, vacuum regularly.

Tobacco Smoke

• Accelerates egg loss, increases miscarriage risk, reduces sperm count and motility, damages sperm DNA.
• Cigarettes, secondhand smoke.
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

Alcohol

• Disrupts ovulation, impairs implantation, reduces testosterone, impairs sperm production.
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Limit alcohol intake.

Parabens

• Disrupts estrogen balance, reduces egg quality, decreases sperm production.
• Cosmetics, lotions, shampoos.
• Use paraben-free personal care products.

Triclosan

• Disrupts estrogen and thyroid hormone function, reduces sperm motility.
• Avoid antibacterial products, check labels for triclosan.

Pesticides (Organophosphates)

• Interferes with ovulation, increases miscarriage risk, reduces sperm count and motility.
• Non-organic fruits/vegetables, insecticides.
• Choose organic produce, wash produce thoroughly.

What You Should Know

• Awareness: Many of these disruptors are “hidden” in everyday items. Reading labels and making small lifestyle changes can significantly reduce exposure.
• Focus on Diet: Organic, whole foods; reduce the intake of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Avoid processed and packaged foods where possible.
• Environmental Changes: Use glass or stainless-steel containers for food and drink. Invest in a high-quality water filter to reduce exposure to contaminants like lead, atrazine, and pesticides.
• Personal Care: Opt for fragrance-free, paraben free, and phthalate-free personal care products. Avoid antibacterial soaps containing triclosan.
• Household Adjustments: Avoid non- stick cookware and choose alternatives like cast iron. Reduce dust exposure in the home, as it can contain flame retardants and other toxins.

This paper is designed to empower you to take actionable steps to improve your fertility by reducing exposure to harmful endocrine disruptors.

For more information or to schedule a consultation at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, please contact us at 212-685-0985 or visit our clinic at 16 East 40th Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.
www.berkleycenter.com