Is Your Perfume Ruining Your Chances Of A Successful Conception Or IVF? | with Angela Hywood

Is your perfume ruining your chances of a successful conception or IVF?

When you're trying to conceive—whether naturally or through IVF—every detail counts, including the air you breathe. While factors like hormones, diet, and medical treatments often take the spotlight, it's easy to overlook the impact of environmental toxins on fertility and IVF outcomes. Everyday items like perfumes, room sprays, synthetic candles, and cleaning supplies can release harmful chemicals that may affect reproductive health and embryo viability.

Let’s dive into how avoiding these substances can make a meaningful difference in your fertility journey and how to create a cleaner, safer environment at home and during IVF procedures.

The Risks Of Airborne Chemicals For Fertility + IVF

During an embryo transfer, embryos are briefly exposed to the air as they are moved from the incubator to the patient. While this exposure is minimal, it is a critical moment when harmful airborne chemicals can pose a risk.

HOW SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS HARM REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in perfumes, colognes, room sprays, and synthetic candles, VOCs can generate oxidative stress, damaging DNA in eggs, sperm, and embryos.

Endocrine Disruptors: Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, which mimic or block hormones, disrupting the delicate balance needed for ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation.

Reduced Air Quality: Toxic chemicals can linger in the air, compromising embryo health during sensitive procedures like embryo transfer and in your daily living environment.

Even short exposure to these substances during IVF or at home can affect embryo viability, sperm motility, and egg quality, reducing the chances of successful conception.

Creating A Fertility-Friendly Home Environment

Your home environment also plays a vital role in your fertility and IVF journey. By reducing exposure to airborne toxins, you can improve air quality and create a safe space for reproductive health.

PRACTICAL STEPS TO ELIMINATE TOXIC FRAGRANCES + CHEMICALS

1. Replace Synthetic Fragrances:

• Opt for natural alternatives made from pure essential oils for perfumes and body sprays.
• Use fragrance-free personal care products, including deodorants, lotions, and shampoos.

2. Avoid Room Sprays and Plug-Ins:

• Swap synthetic air fresheners for natural options, like essential oil diffusers with fertility-friendly oils (e.g., lavender or lemon).
• Keep your home well-ventilated by opening windows and allowing fresh air circulation.

3. Choose Non-Toxic Candles:

• Replace paraffin candles with natural wax options like beeswax or soy, scented with essential oils.

4. Switch to Safer Cleaning Products:

• Use natural cleaning solutions, such as vinegar and baking soda, or select eco-friendly, fragrance-free brands.

5. Opt for Gentle Laundry Products:

• Select detergents and fabric softeners labelled as fragrance-free or naturally scented to avoid VOC exposure.

6. Add Indoor Plants:

• Incorporate air-purifying plants like spider plants or peace lilies to reduce airborne toxins naturally.

The Power of a Clean Environment

By eliminating toxic fragrances and synthetic chemicals from your home and supporting scent-free policies during IVF procedures, you can create an environment that nurtures your fertility and enhances IVF outcomes. These small, thoughtful changes can have a significant impact on the health of eggs, sperm, and embryos, giving you the best possible chance of success.

Whether you’re embarking on IVF or trying to conceive naturally, a clean, toxin-free space is an invaluable investment in your reproductive health. If you have questions about how your environment might be affecting your fertility, feel free to reach out—we’re here to guide you on your journey to parenthood.

Your health. Your environment. Your future family.

Love Angela

For fertility and IVF support book an appointment for your personalised treatment plan with  book a consult with Angela here.

Naturopath and Founder of Floralia Wellness & Apothecary, Angela Hywood, has been specialising in women’s health, hormones and fertility for over 25 years.