In recent years, infertility and pregnancy loss have become increasingly common, leaving many couples searching for answers. While hormone balance, nutrient status, and genetics all play a role, emerging research in functional medicine highlights a powerful—yet often overlooked—factor: the toxins we are exposed to every single day.
From plastics and pesticides to personal care products and household cleaners, environmental toxins can quietly disrupt the body’s delicate systems. Many of these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with hormones that regulate ovulation, menstrual cycles, sperm production, implantation, and early fetal development. Even low-level, chronic exposure can add up—creating inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, all of which can negatively impact fertility.
For women, toxins such as BPA, phthalates, and PFAS can alter estrogen and progesterone balance, disrupt thyroid function, impair egg quality, and interfere with healthy embryo development. For men, these same toxins can reduce testosterone, decrease sperm count and motility, and increase DNA fragmentation. And for couples who have experienced miscarriage, toxin-induced inflammation can weaken the body’s ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy.
The approach of Restorative Reproductive Medicine focuses on identifying and removing these root-cause triggers. Instead of viewing infertility as a diagnosis to overcome, we view it as a message from the body that its foundational systems need support.
The good news? The body is remarkably resilient, and when we lower the toxic load, nourish the gut, stabilize hormones, and reduce inflammation, fertility often improves naturally.
This is why we encourage couples before they begin trying to conceive—or before undergoing fertility treatments—to take time to prepare the body. A structured detoxification and lifestyle program can:
- Support liver pathways that help eliminate toxins
- Reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
- Balance hormones through targeted nutrition
- Restore gut health and reduce systemic inflammation
- Improve mitochondrial function, which is essential for egg and sperm quality
- Optimize nutrient stores needed for pregnancy and fetal development
At Couri & Smyth Health For Life Medical Center, we work with couples experiencing infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and those who simply want to give their future child the healthiest start possible. Our wellness programs focus on detoxification, therapeutic nutrition, hormone balance, and lifestyle transformation, using the principles taught through the Institute for Functional Medicine.
Preparing the body for pregnancy is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—and your baby. A few months of intentional lifestyle changes and guided detoxification can make a profound difference in achieving and sustaining a healthy pregnancy.
If you’re considering starting a family, struggling to conceive, or looking to reduce miscarriage risk, we invite you to explore how a functional, root-cause approach can support your fertility journey. Your body is designed to heal—and with the right support, optimal fertility is possible.
Top 5 Toxins to Avoid When Trying to Conceive:
- BPA & Phthalates (Plastics)
Found in plastic bottles, food packaging, and receipts, these chemicals act as endocrine disruptors that alter estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Choose glass or stainless steel, and avoid microwaving plastic. - PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
Used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and fast-food wrappers, PFAS accumulate in the body and are linked to hormonal imbalance, reduced egg quality, and lowered sperm count. Switch to stainless steel or cast-iron pans. - Pesticides & Herbicides
Common on conventionally grown produce, pesticides increase oxidative stress and can disrupt fertility hormones. Prioritize organic produce—especially the “Dirty Dozen”—and wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. - Synthetic Fragrances
Found in perfumes, candles, dryer sheets, and personal care products, synthetic fragrances expose you to dozens of hormone-disrupting chemicals. Choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products. - Heavy Metals (Mercury, Lead, Arsenic)
These metals can impair thyroid function, damage sperm DNA, and interfere with embryo development. Avoid high-mercury fish (swordfish, tuna, king mackerel), filter drinking water, and limit exposure to old paint or contaminated soil.
➡ Detoxing and reducing these exposures before conception can significantly improve egg and sperm quality, hormone balance, and pregnancy outcomes. Our guided wellness programs help couples remove toxins safely and prepare for a healthy pregnancy journey.
Infertility can be complex and emotionally challenging, and no two journeys are the same. At Couri & Smyth Health for Life, we take a root-cause, integrative approach to fertility care; working with couples to identify and address underlying factors such as hormonal imbalances, inflammation, metabolic health, nutrition, and lifestyle influences that may impact reproductive health. Our goal is to help you better understand why challenges may be occurring and support the body’s natural reproductive function through personalized medical care. To learn more about our approach to infertility, visit our Infertility Care page: https://cshealthforlife.com/infertility/