Let's talk about Phthalates and how they can mess with your Fertility...

 Phthalates: What They Are and Why They Could Be Messing With Your Fertility

We don’t always think about what’s in our shampoo, lotion, or food containers—but maybe we should. One group of chemicals, called phthalates, has been showing up in research again and again as a major disruptor of fertility.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant (or just want to protect your health), it’s time to talk about what these things are and where they’re hiding.

🌫️ So... What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates (it sounds like “thal-ates”) are synthetic chemicals added to plastic to make it bendy and soft. They’re also in lots of personal care products to help fragrances last longer.

You’ll find them in:

• Plastic food containers and wraps

• Perfume, deodorant, lotion, hair products

• Scented candles and air fresheners

• Vinyl flooring and plastic shower curtains

Most of the time, you won’t see them listed — they’re often hidden under the word “fragrance.”

⚠️ How Phthalates Affect Fertility

Phthalates are what scientists call endocrine disruptors. That’s a fancy way of saying they mess with your hormones — and your hormones are what make everything work when it comes to your reproductive system.

For women, phthalates can:

• Interfere with ovulation

• Lower the quality of your eggs

• Increase the risk of miscarriage

• Possibly lead to early menopause

For men, they can:

• Reduce sperm count and quality

• Lower testosterone levels

• Damage sperm DNA

These effects don’t always show up right away. Sometimes it’s years before we realize these exposures were playing a role.

👀 Where They’re Hiding

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Common Item	Hidden Source of Phthalates
Shampoo, lotion, perfume	Listed as “fragrance” or “parfum”
Plastic containers	Especially if scratched or heated
Takeout and fast food	Absorbed from packaging and prep equipment
Scented candles, air sprays	Synthetic fragrance blend
Vinyl shower curtains & floors	Phthalates are used in soft plastic materials

Easy Ways to Cut Back

You don’t have to do everything at once. Just start where you can.

Try swapping:

• Plastic for glass or stainless steel (especially for food storage)

• Scented products for fragrance-free or naturally scented ones

• Microwaving plastic → Heat food in ceramic or glass instead

• Air fresheners → Open windows, use essential oils or simmer herbs

• Vinyl shower curtains → Look for fabric or PEVA alternatives

Little swaps = less exposure. It really adds up.

💬 A Gentle Reminder

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the toxins we’re exposed to — take a breath. This isn’t about panic. It’s about learning and making small changes where you can.

Your body is smart. It wants to heal.Let’s give it the tools to do that.

🔜 What’s Next?

In the next post, we’ll be diving into BPA, another chemical that mimics estrogen and loves to hide in canned foods and plastic bottles. Spoiler alert: it’s also a hormone disruptor.