Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team — September 2025.
When you’re thinking about building your family, it’s important to focus on what you can control. While you can’t manage every factor, you can support your reproductive health by caring for your mind, body, and environment. One way to do this is by limiting toxins and harmful chemicals in your daily life.
Here’s what you need to know about endocrine disruptors, with practical tips to reduce your exposure and resources to help you make informed choices.
What are endocrine disruptors, and how do they affect fertility?
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with your body’s hormones. They may disrupt, mimic, or block hormones, which make up your endocrine system. These chemicals are linked to changes in egg and sperm health, higher miscarriage risk, and lower success rates with fertility treatment.
Even if you’re not currently trying to conceive, it’s helpful to know about endocrine disruptors because they can affect many aspects of health. They’re common in everyday products, often showing up in preservatives such as parabens.
What are parabens?
Parabens are chemical preservatives that prevent mold and bacteria from growing in products. First manufactured in the 1920s, they’re now widely used in items you may use daily, such as:
- Makeup, shampoo, conditioner, and skincare
- Laundry detergent, toothpaste, sunscreen, and deodorant
- Supplements, vitamins, and prescription medications
Because parabens are so common, it’s important to read labels carefully — even when choosing a prenatal vitamin.
Why are parabens considered harmful?
Parabens protect products against mold and bacteria, but they also act as endocrine disruptors. Recent human studies link higher paraben exposure with poorer semen quality, sperm DNA damage, and hormonal disruption. Reviews also note possible effects on menstrual cycles and ovarian function. Scientists are continuing to study potential links to breast cancer.
Safer preservative options are available, and swapping some products for paraben-free alternatives can lower your exposure. Even small changes may benefit your overall health.
How do parabens affect reproductive health?
- Elevated paraben levels have been associated with diminished ovarian reserve and altered hormone activity.
- Higher paraben exposure has been tied to reduced motile sperm counts, abnormal morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation.
- Global monitoring shows paraben exposure is declining overall but remains widespread.
How can you reduce your exposure to parabens?
You may not be able to avoid parabens completely, but these steps can help lower your risk:
- Review product labels. Ingredients with prefixes such as ethyl, butyl, methyl, or propyl may indicate parabens.
- Look for “paraben-free” or “made without parabens” on packaging.
- Use natural or organic personal care products.
- Swap perfume for essential oils.
- Try natural oils, such as coconut oil, instead of lotions.
What other endocrine disruptors should you watch for?
There are two other common groups — phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA). Phthalates are found in plastics and fragranced products. Higher preconception phthalate exposure may mean it takes longer to conceive. Reviews also suggest possible impacts on IVF outcomes, though evidence is mixed. BPA is used in plastics, can linings, and receipt paper. A 2024 review found BPA and common BPA alternatives may negatively affect oocyte quality and ovarian function.
How can you reduce BPA and phthalate exposure?
Here are a few strategies:
- Store food in glass or metal containers instead of plastic. Avoid microwaving food in plastic.
- Use fragrance-free personal care products.
- Avoid #3 plastic (PVC) and #7 plastic (may contain BPA).
- Limit highly processed foods, which may carry higher chemical exposure.
- Eat more folate-rich foods (such as leafy greens and citrus fruits) or talk with your doctor about a methyl folate supplement.
- Clean and dust your home regularly, since phthalates can build up in household dust.
The takeaway
Endocrine disruptors are common, but you can reduce your exposure by making informed choices about the products you use and the foods you eat. Studies show that even small swaps in daily routines can significantly lower the levels of these chemicals in your body.
If you’d like to learn more, talk with your healthcare provider or care team about safer product choices and reliable resources on environmental health and fertility. You can also learn more about the everyday products you use to help you assess their safety and chemical constituents.
Progyny is here for you, too. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.