How To Get Pregnant? Avoid these 5 Chemicals
How to get pregnant? The answer used to be simple. But with nearly 40% more women reporting difficulty getting pregnant than 30 years ago, the stakes have changed. It seems like new information comes out every day that impacts the question of how to get pregnant. One recent study found exposure to fracking chemicals could lower sperm count in mice. Others make the connection between infertility and Teflon chemicals, now found in 99% of Americans. More and more, these studies are looking at extremely low levels of toxic chemicals—still considered “non-toxic” by our government–and their impact on human reproduction. I’m not a scientist, but if I was thinking about how to get pregnant, I would avoid these five chemicals because they have repeatedly been linked to infertility. If I was looking for answers to the question of how to get pregnant, I would avoid these five chemicals, because they have been linked to infertility. 1. Parabens are preservatives found in conventional personal care products from moisturizer to sunscreen; look for them prefaced by “methyl,” “ethyl,” “propyl,” “butyl” and “isobutyl.”
2. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, found in chemical sunscreens (zinc-based sunscreens are a much better bet).
3. Food heavily treated with with Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Insecticides—the same class as DDT. Avoid these by eating USDA Certified Organic.
4. Triclosan in antibacterial soaps, gels, wipes and sprays; studies show washing your hands with soap and water works just as well.
5. BPA in food-can linings, cash register receipts and hard plastics.
But finally, when you do become a parent—if you want to you will, one way or another—take a look at my Guide to Natural Parenting and Pregnancy. Because you shouldn’t have to be a scientist to raise healthy children. Right?
Editor’s note 12.29.15: Add to the list quaternary ammonium compounds, also known as “quats,” which are found in germ-killing household cleaners like Lysol, Clorox and Simple Green as well as swimming pool chemicals, treated wood and static-fighting laundry products. A new animal study linked quats to weaker sperm and decreased ovulation, leading researchers to suggest the same results could be found in humans.


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Mike
I loved your recent blog posts – they’re reminding me of some of the health and wellness information we’ve posted recently. If you’re interested, you can check it out a good one about nutritional changes that can be made when trying to conceive at https://www.santamonicafertility.com/corner/7-nutritional-changes-to-make-when-you-are-trying-to-conceive/.
Rachel Sarnoff
Thanks for sharing, will definitely take a look!
Dr. Lisa Olson
As an acupuncturist, I am dealing with more clients coming in for infertility and its scary how many things we use today can cause it. While acupuncture won’t cure infertility, it can certainly stimulate the area.
I was actually diagnosed with infertility when I was 36. There were years that were spent in depression but we continued trying. During our trip in China, we learned about acupuncture and its benefits. I used it to stimulate my maternal organs. It was after giving birth that I decided to dedicated my life to helping other women.
We as women have to look out for a lot but so do our male partners. Wi-Fi and cell phone signals hurt sperm mobility by 8%. Sitting all day at the office affects it. It’s a lot.
I actually wrote a book on the matter. One of my recent readers sent me a heartfelt message about being previously infertile and having twins at 43. It was incredible but not everyone is so lucky. Not everyone can keep up with what to do and what not to do. You can find her on her finally-pregnant.com blog.
Stay as informed as you can, ladies and get your men to do their own reading as well! Procreation is a team sports!
Rachel Sarnoff
What a great comment, Lisa! I’d love for you to share a link to your book here so the Mommy Greenest community can check it out. “Procreation is a team sport.” LOL!