Environmental Toxins & Fertility: PFAS, Plastics, and What to Avoid
In this episode of the Love & Science Fertility Framework, Dr. Erica Bove explores how environmental exposures may affect fertility, egg quality, sperm development, hormone production, and long-term ovarian health.
Environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals are often overlooked in fertility care, yet growing research suggests they may influence IVF outcomes, fertilization rates, pregnancy rates, live birth rates, and even the timing of menopause.
In this episode, Dr. Bove discusses:
how endocrine-disrupting chemicals may affect egg and sperm development
the relationship between environmental toxins and infertility
PFAS, phthalates, parabens, BPA, PVC, and other common exposures
how these chemicals may influence hormone signaling, ovarian function, and reproductive longevity
the association between toxic exposures and decreased egg yield, fertilization, pregnancy, and live birth in IVF
the connection between environmental chemicals, early menopause, cardiovascular health, and longevity
practical ways to reduce exposure in daily life, including changes to plastics, food storage, personal care products, processed foods, and household items
occupational exposures in labs, farming, welding, plumbing, and other high-risk environments
Dr. Bove also reviews simple, practical steps to reduce toxic burden without becoming overwhelmed, emphasizing the importance of controlling what you can and letting go of what you cannot.
This episode is part of Season 1 of The Love & Science Fertility Framework: The Biology Beneath the Surface — a science-based series exploring the physiologic factors that shape fertility outcomes.
As always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.
If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:
https://calendly.com/loveandsciencefertility/discovery-call
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Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.
In Gratitude,
Dr. Erica Bove
