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Fertility rates are declining worldwide, and growing scientific evidence links this trend to environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals, microplastics and rising temperatures. These exposures can impair egg and sperm quality — largely through a mechanism known as oxidative stress. While we cannot completely avoid these influences, informed lifestyle choices and targeted nutritional support can help protect reproductive health.
Why More and More Couples Are Struggling to Conceive
In my day-to-day work with women and couples, I notice one thing time and again: many arrive with a deep sense that they must have done something wrong.
In reality, this is rarely the case.
The number of people experiencing difficulties conceiving has been rising for years. Alongside well-established factors such as age and smoking, another important issue is increasingly coming into focus: the impact of environmental factors and modern living conditions on fertility.
Every day, we are exposed to a complex mixture of environmental stressors — from polluted air and plastics to pesticides and industrial chemicals. These substances are present in our food, water, air and even in household products.
What is particularly concerning is that this exposure begins very early — even before birth — and continues throughout life.
These influences often remain invisible — yet they have measurable effects on both female and male fertility.
What These Environmental Factors Do to the Body
Certain chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with hormonal signalling. They can mimic or block hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone — both essential for ovulation and sperm production.
At the same time, pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in air pollution have been associated with a reduced ovarian reserve and lower success rates in assisted reproductive treatments.
In men, environmental exposures are linked to declining sperm quality — including reduced motility and increased DNA damage.
I often explain this to my patients in simple terms:
The cells responsible for reproduction are among the most sensitive in the human body — and they respond quickly to stress.
Oxidative Stress — The Missing Link Many Patients Have Never Heard Of
What all of these environmental factors have in common — whether fine particulate matter, microplastics or other pollutants — is that they contribute to oxidative stress in the body.
This is a biological process in which harmful molecules, known as reactive oxygen species, accumulate and begin to damage cells.
In the context of fertility, this can directly affect both egg and sperm cells: damaging DNA, impairing cellular energy production and reducing overall cell quality.
In my clinical experience, many patients have never heard of oxidative stress — yet it plays a central role in a wide range of fertility challenges.
Climate Change: A Factor We Can No Longer Ignore
Rising temperatures do not just affect comfort — they have measurable biological consequences.
Heat exposure can increase oxidative stress, disrupt hormonal balance, impair sperm production and influence egg development. Emerging evidence even suggests that higher ambient temperatures may reduce success rates in IVF treatments.
As climate change continues to affect us globally, this is an important factor that will likely become even more relevant in the years ahead.
What You Can Do to Support Your Fertility
While it is impossible to eliminate environmental exposures entirely, there is a great deal you can do to reduce their impact.
In everyday life, small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Choosing glass instead of plastic for food storage, avoiding heating food in plastic containers and being mindful of ingredients in cosmetics are simple but effective steps.
Washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly and, where possible, choosing less processed foods can also help reduce exposure.
Equally important is supporting your body’s resilience.
A balanced diet rich in vegetables, healthy fats and essential micronutrients provides a strong foundation. Adequate sleep, stress management and maintaining a healthy weight all play a key role in supporting hormonal balance and cellular health.
Supporting the Body Against Oxidative Stress
When environmental exposures increase oxidative stress, strengthening the body’s antioxidant defence system becomes particularly important.
Certain micronutrients may:
- neutralise free radicals
- support cellular protection
- help maintain the quality of egg and sperm cells
In my experience, many couples benefit from optimising their nutritional intake in a targeted way.
High-quality fertility supplements such as Fertilovit are specifically formulated to:
- support female fertility
- improve sperm quality in men
- provide targeted antioxidant support
Particularly in a modern, polluted environment, this can be an important factor in supporting the chances of conception.
A Different Way of Thinking About Fertility
One of the most important messages I try to share is this:
Fertility is not just about timing. It is a reflection of overall cellular health — and increasingly, of how the body responds to its environment.
Understanding this can be empowering. It shifts the focus away from blame and towards meaningful action.
Bonus: Risk Assessment Self-test
As a bonus to our readers, please find here a questionnaire that will help you to assess whether you are at risk from climate change and other environmental factors.
FAQ – Environmental Factors and Fertility
Yes. A growing body of research shows clear associations between environmental exposures and reduced fertility in both women and men.
It is a biological process in which harmful molecules damage cells. In fertility, this can directly affect egg and sperm quality.
No — and that is an important point. The goal is not perfection, but reducing exposure where possible and strengthening the body’s ability to cope.
Supplements like Fertilovit can support the body’s natural defence systems, particularly when they provide targeted antioxidants and micronutrients relevant to reproductive health.
Absolutely. Male fertility is equally affected by environmental factors and should always be part of the conversation.
Les références
Akhigbe RE, Omole AI, Oyedokun PA, Odetayo AF, Ashamu EA, Akhigbe TM. Heat stress and human reproduction: effects and pathogenesis. J Therm Biol. 2025 Dec;134:104302. doi: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2025.104302. Epub 2025 Nov 5. PMID: 41205363.
Defeudis G, de Angelis C, Mazzilli R, Barbagallo F, Leanza C, Sabovic I, Condorelli RA, Rago R, Gianfrilli D, Pivonello R, Di Nisio A, Anserini P, Foresta C; Group of Special Interest for Environment of the Italian Society of Fertility, Sterility, Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR). The impact of chemical pollution and warming on male fertility: a narrative review by the Special Interest Group “Environment and Fertility” of the Italian Society of Fertility and Sterility and Reproductive Medicine (SIFES-MR). J Assist Reprod Genet. 2025 Dec;42(12):4071-4101. doi: 10.1007/s10815-025-03678-0. Epub 2025 Oct 9. PMID: 41068550; PMCID: PMC12705501.
DeNicola N, Zhang J, Hasenburg A, Schwab R, Gupta K, Decena D, Edna F, Graham D, Morris E, Dao B. FIGO committee opinion: Environmental drivers of gynecologic and reproductive health. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2025 Dec;171(3):1008-1021. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.70547. Epub 2025 Sep 26. PMID: 41001939; PMCID: PMC12640183.
Fernandez ACG, Pelnekar S, Robinson JF, Shaw GM, Padula AM, Woodruff TJ, Giudice LC. Climate Change and Reproductive Health. Endocr Rev. 2025 Nov 24;46(6):908-921. doi: 10.1210/endrev/bnaf026. PMID: 40755394; PMCID: PMC12640714.
Parent AS, Damdimopoulou P, Johansson HKL, Bouftas N, Draskau MK, Franssen D, Fudvoye J, van Duursen M, Svingen T. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and female reproductive health: a growing concern. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2025 Oct;21(10):593-607. doi: 10.1038/s41574-025-01131-x. Epub 2025 May 22. PMID: 40404936.