Infertility is a condition that affects many people, yet diagnosing and addressing it remains a challenge. Traditional diagnostic methods often focus on hormonal levels and reproductive organ health, overlooking broader social, environmental and lifestyle factors. This narrow approach leads to incomplete or inaccurate diagnoses, leaving individuals without a clear understanding of their condition.
Moreover, the stigma surrounding infertility often discourages people from seeking help. Conventional treatments like assisted reproductive technologies, while beneficial for some, fail to address the underlying causes. These methods are also invasive, costly and don’t always guarantee success.
A more holistic approach that considers not only medical care but also lifestyle, diet and the societal factors shaping reproductive health is essential to address infertility and mitigate its effects on your quality of life.
Infertility in Women Is on the Rise
In women, infertility is characterized by the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Recent research published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation1 shows an alarming increase in female infertility. In 2019, there were 122.38 million cases of female infertility worldwide, marking an 86% increase since 1990.
When adjusting for age differences across populations, the proportion of women experiencing infertility rose by 24%, and the overall impact on health (measured by years of life affected) increased by 25%. The biggest increases were seen in middle- and upper-middle-income countries, highlighting this as a global concern. North America had the highest rates of infertility, while East Asia had the lowest.
Infertility extends beyond the inability to conceive — it also profoundly affects your physical health and emotional well-being, leading to feelings of frustration, anxiety and depression. Beyond the personal struggle, infertility disrupts the natural reproductive process, making it a significant concern for individuals and societies.
What’s Causing Infertility Rates to Increase?
Infertility stems from a complex link between social, economic and health factors. A recent study published in Social Science and Medicine2 reframes infertility as more than an individual health issue, focusing on its ties to social, structural and environmental conditions. Key factors include economic status, high cost of living, delayed family planning, gender roles, and racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Health trends such as rising obesity rates and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) further worsen the problem. A recent article published in The New York Times3 highlights concerns from experts who warn about these emerging health trends in the United States that exacerbate infertility.
“Obesity can impact ovulation in women,” Dr. Mary Rosser, the director of Integrated Women’s Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, told The New York Times. Excess weight disrupts hormonal signals required for regular menstrual cycles and is closely linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Studies show that between 70% and 80% of women with PCOS struggle with infertility, and they also face a higher risk of miscarriage.4
Moreover, STIs, if left untreated, lead to complications that impact reproductive organs. STI rates in the United States have been rising for decades, though some have recently leveled off. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes this long-term increase to factors like decreased condom use and the closure of clinics offering STI testing and treatment.5
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are particularly concerning because they cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and permanent damage to the fallopian tubes, Dr. Rosser explained. Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning they often go untreated until they have already harmed fertility.6
Experts Warn About Toxins Threatening Fertility
The New York Times article7 also explored the impact of exposure to harmful chemicals and substances found in personal care products, air pollution, plastics, pesticides and even food. These environmental toxins are pervasive and affect the general population, who encounter them daily through multiple sources.
Among the most troubling are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals.” Research has extensively linked these substances to reproductive health issues.
EDCs work by adhering to hormone receptors and directly interfering with the functioning of your steroid hormones, which are vital for pregnancy and fetal development. As a result, these chemicals change how many receptors are present in cells, as well as affect the creation, movement, levels and breakdown of hormones in your blood.
“Even very low levels of exposure to endocrine disruptors can increase the risks of reproductive health issues,” said Tracey Woodruff, director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco.8
Microplastics — Another Pervasive Source of EDCs
If you’ve followed my articles, you know I’ve consistently warned about the dangers of EDCs. Another important point that I would like to bring up is the presence of EDCs in microplastics, which are ubiquitous in our environment.
Dr. Oluyemisi Famuyiwa, founder of the Montgomery Fertility Center, links microplastic exposure to declining semen quality, noting that men today are significantly less fertile than previous generations.9 Research supports this, with studies showing microplastics accumulate in the testes, causing stress, inflammation and reduced testosterone.10
Further, a 2024 study published in Toxicological Sciences11 confirmed the presence of microplastics in both human and canine testes. From 23 human male participants, researchers detected an average of 328.44 micrograms of microplastics per gram of testicular tissue, with polyethylene being the most common type.
Female fertility is similarly affected. Research12 shows that microplastics accumulating in the ovaries disrupt follicle dynamics, leading to fewer mature follicles and an increase in cystic and atretic follicles. Follicles play an essential role in ovulation and fertility, and their natural decline with age is accelerated by microplastic exposure. Studies also report that these particles contribute to oxidative stress and impair the ovaries’ antioxidant defenses.
Research published in Environment International13 also found microplastics in the placenta, where they interfere with maternal-fetal communication, immunity during pregnancy and fetal development. Such disruptions result in complications like preeclampsia and restricted fetal growth.
What’s on Your Dinner Plate Also Affects Your Fertility
Poor food choices add to your toxic load, too. For example, conventional fruits and vegetables today are sprayed with pesticides, including glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. These chemicals are particularly problematic, as they are known endocrine disruptors.
High pesticide exposure from pesticide-treated fruits and vegetables has been associated with an 18% lower in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rate in women. They were also 26% less likely to have a live birth if they did become pregnant.14 This clearly illustrates why it’s better to opt for organic, pesticide-free produce.
And if you’re always fond of eating processed foods like frozen pizzas, pancakes and waffles, be warned — these products contain sodium aluminum phosphate, a known neurotoxin that impacts your reproductive health. Used in food products as an emulsifying agent and stabilizer, this ingredient, albeit classified as “safe to consume,”15 have long-term damaging effects on your fertility.
Microwaves — The Invisible Factor Damaging Your Reproductive Health
Another stealth environmental factor that increases your risk of infertility is your exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation from wireless technologies, like cellphones and Wi-Fi. In fact, I believe this is the most significant reason why sperm counts are dwindling today.16
According to a 2023 study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility,17 men who use their cell phones more than 20 times a day have significantly lower sperm concentrations and sperm counts than those who use their phones once a week or less.
Microwave radiation has been found to disrupt cellular function through the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) in cell membranes. When exposed to microwaves, these channels release an excess of calcium ions into the cell — up to a million ions per second.
This surge in intracellular calcium triggers the production of nitric oxide (NO) within cells and mitochondria. Nitric oxide interacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite, a compound known to cause oxidative stress.
Peroxynitrites also generate hydroxyl free radicals, which are among the most destructive free radicals, capable of inflicting significant damage to mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, cellular membranes and proteins. This cascade of damage ultimately leads to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Research has highlighted the reproductive risks associated with such exposure. For example, a 2013 children’s health panel on cellphone and Wi-Fi exposure noted that sperm are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitivity of the testicular barrier. Studies have shown that mitochondrial DNA in sperm is damaged at three times the rate when exposed to microwave radiation.18
Additionally, numerous in-vivo and in-vitro studies have confirmed that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) impair reproductive function. A paper published in Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine,19 found that EMF exposure affects sperm motility, with the degree of damage varying based on the frequency, intensity and duration of exposure.
Solutions to Boost Fertility Naturally
There are indeed various factors that compromise your ability to reproduce, but I believe following some basic common-sense strategies and healthy lifestyle habits will help address the root of infertility. Here’s a summary of my recommendations:
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Minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals, including heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides and herbicides, formaldehyde, organic solvents, dry-cleaning chemicals and paint fumes. |
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Avoid all vaccines, particularly mRNA shots — Vaccines cause low testosterone20 and increase the risk of miscarriage.21 If you’ve already had one or more COVID-19 shots, strategies exist to help repair the assault on your system. The Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) also has a treatment protocol for post-jab injuries. It’s called I-RECOVER and is available for download from covid19criticalcare.com.22 |
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Avoid drinking unfiltered tap water, as our waterways are constantly being polluted by industrial waste and byproducts. |
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Eat an optimal fertility diet — An optimal fertility diet is about what to avoid as much as it is about what to include. Eat real food, ideally organic and locally grown to avoid pesticide residues. Avoid factory-farmed animal products and processed vegetable oils loaded with linoleic acid (LA) that destroys mitochondrial function, as well as unfermented soy, as soybeans contain phytoestrogens that act on hormones. Men would do well to add more sperm-enhancing foods to their diet,23 such as organic pastured eggs, bananas, asparagus, broccoli, pomegranates, garlic and all zinc-rich foods (zinc plays a key role in sperm development). |
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Avoid common allergens — An overactive immune system is more likely to attack its own body cells, and the link between food intolerances and anti-sperm antibodies is well established. The two most widely spread food intolerances are gluten and dairy. Factory-farmed milk is also a source of estrogen that harm your fertility. |
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Minimize microwave exposure — Avoid carrying your cellphone on your body while it is on, and avoid using laptops and tablets on your lap. Turn off your Wi-Fi at night and make your bedroom an EMF-free zone. |
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Get checked for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) — Some STDs, like chlamydia, are asymptomatic. In men, chlamydia leads to sperm abnormalities including sperm antibodies. In women, it leads to scarring, blocked tubes and miscarriage. |
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Avoid coffee, smoking and alcohol — While organic black coffee has several health benefits, fertility does not appear to be one of them. On the contrary, studies suggest it decreases fertility.24 Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs also adversely affect fertility, reducing the size of the testes and lowering sperm count in men. |
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Get regular exercise — According to research,25 getting at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week boosts men’s sperm count. |
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Normalize your weight — Obesity contributes to infertility in both men and women. Maintaining a healthy weight improves sperm quality and quantity in men and enhances a woman’s chances of getting pregnant,26 in part by normalizing menstrual cycles.27 |
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Limit hot baths and saunas — While hot baths and saunas have myriad health benefits, it’s ideal to limit them during the conception phase, as the heat will take a toll on sperm. In one three-year-long study,28 five of 11 men who quit taking hot baths were able to raise their sperm count by 491%. |
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Combat stress — Make sure to get sufficient amounts of sleep and/or incorporate a tool like the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), yoga or meditation to address stress. |
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Clean up your home environment — Use natural cleaning products or make your own. |
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Supplement with progesterone — Progesterone is a hormone that acts as a switch to “turn off” estrogen’s activity, helping mitigate the effects of phthalates and other estrogenic compounds. By counteracting the effects of these disruptive chemicals, progesterone restores balance in your body’s hormonal systems and protects your fertility. Progesterone is also dubbed the “pregnancy hormone,”29 as it plays an important role in conception, from implantation of the embryo to delivery of the baby. Research shows progesterone helps prevent 8,450 miscarriages each year, especially when given to women with bleeding in early pregnancy.30 I recommend using transmucosal progesterone combined with vitamin E, as detailed below. |
