Course / Environmental Factors
Environmental exposures can significantly affect reproductive health for both women and men. Chemicals in pesticides, industrial products, plastics, and other environmental sources can interfere with hormone function, gamete quality, and early embryonic development.
At Surrogacy4All, understanding these risks allows fertility specialists to provide guidance on minimizing exposure and optimizing reproductive outcomes for patients seeking conception.
Overview:
Pesticides are chemical agents used to control insects, weeds, and other pests in agriculture and homes. Many pesticides are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that can alter hormone signaling.
Impact on Fertility:
Women: Pesticide exposure may reduce ovarian reserve, affect egg quality, and disrupt menstrual cycles.
Men: Exposure can reduce sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Routes of Exposure:
Consumption of non-washed or conventionally grown produce
Direct occupational exposure in farming, landscaping, or pest control
Environmental contamination in air, soil, and water
Preventive Measures:
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Prefer organic produce when possible
Use personal protective equipment in occupational settings
Overview:
Industrial chemicals include solvents, heavy metals, and by-products of manufacturing. Common examples are lead, mercury, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and dioxins.
Impact on Fertility:
Women: Exposure may lead to irregular cycles, ovulatory dysfunction, or decreased implantation potential.
Men: May reduce sperm production, increase DNA fragmentation, and impair motility.
Sources of Exposure:
Workplace environments (factories, laboratories, painting)
Contaminated water or food sources
Household products such as paints, cleaning agents, and plastics
Preventive Measures:
Limit occupational exposure using proper safety protocols
Ensure proper ventilation and protective equipment
Test home water for heavy metals if living near industrial areas
Overview:
Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are widely used chemicals in plastics, food packaging, personal care products, and household items.
Both are endocrine disruptors that mimic or interfere with natural hormones.
Impact on Fertility:
Women: BPA exposure has been linked to altered ovarian function, lower oocyte quality, and potential effects on embryo implantation.
Men: Phthalates can reduce sperm quality, count, and motility, potentially increasing time to conception.
Common Sources:
BPA: Water bottles, canned food linings, thermal receipts
Phthalates: Personal care products (lotions, shampoos), vinyl flooring, plastic wraps
Preventive Measures:
Use BPA-free and phthalate-free products
Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers
Reduce consumption of processed or canned foods
Opt for glass, stainless steel, or ceramic storage containers
Our job is to listen, to connect the dots between your needs, and to determine how we can best help you have your baby. If you’re asking how much does it cost for a surrogate, we’ll walk you through every step of the process to ensure there are no surprises.
To make an appointment with one of our counselors or physicians, please call (212) 661-7673 or email info@surrogacy4all.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Surrogacy4All is a unique international surrogacy service targeted at providing state of the art IVF and surrogacy services to Intended Parents irrespective of age, sex or color, at the lowest possible cost in the world.
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