5 Hidden Enemies to Fertility
(That Might Surprise You)
When you're dreaming of a baby, it can feel like a cruel joke because everyone around you seems to just mysteriously get pregnant. And while there's so much advice out there (some helpful, some not so much), fertility isn't just about timing or luck—it’s influenced by a whole network of factors that often go unnoticed.
Let’s talk about five of the less obvious enemies to fertility—things I see all the time in the clinic, but which often get missed in the mainstream conversation.
1. Stress (and not just the “I had a tough day” kind)
We know stress isn’t great for us, but when it comes to fertility, it’s a big deal. Chronic stress can interfere with the delicate hormonal dance required for ovulation and sperm production. It can also affect your sleep, gut health, and even your libido—all of which matter when you’re trying to conceive.
This doesn’t mean you have to quit your job and take up the homesteading life , as nice as that sounds! But it does mean that finding realistic ways to bring your nervous system down—from breathing exercises to daily walks, journaling, or magnesium baths—might be more important than obsessing over ovulation test strips.
2. Metabolic Health (your body’s behind-the-scenes engine)
You don’t have to be overweight to have metabolic challenges. Weight can be a total red herring! Blood sugar swings, insulin resistance, and inflammation can all play a role in ovulation, egg quality, and hormone balance. For men, metabolic health affects sperm count and motility too.
If you regularly feel tired after meals, crave sugar, or have irregular cycles, it might be worth looking into this. Small tweaks like reducing processed carbs, prioritising protein, and balancing meals can make a surprisingly big difference.
3. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is one of the most common causes of fertility issues in women—but it’s often poorly understood. It’s not just about “cysts on your ovaries.” It’s a condition that affects how your body regulates hormones, insulin, and ovulation.
The good news? There’s so much you can do to support your body naturally with the right food, movement, supplements, and a personalised plan. You don’t have to do it alone—working with someone who understands PCOS holistically can be a game-changer.
4. Environmental Toxins (the sneaky hormone disruptors)
This one’s a bit of a silent enemy. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are found in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaning products—and they can mess with your hormones in ways that affect both female and male fertility.
They’re not always easy to avoid entirely, but simple swaps (like switching to a natural deodorant, using glass instead of plastic for food storage, or choosing organic when possible) can reduce your exposure. Little steps really do add up over time.
5. Male Fertility (yes, it’s half the equation)
Here’s something we don’t talk about enough: around 40–50% of fertility issues involve male factors. Sperm health is affected by everything from stress and diet to alcohol, medications, and heat (think laptops on laps or frequent sauna sessions).
If you’re trying to conceive, it’s worth looking at his health just as closely as hers. A basic semen analysis can give helpful insights, and making positive changes together often brings the best results.
Final Thoughts
If you're navigating fertility challenges, please know you're not alone—and you're not broken. Sometimes, the answer isn’t more effort, but a shift in perspective and support. Often, it’s about gently removing the roadblocks that are standing in the way of your body doing what it’s designed to do.
If you'd like a more personalised plan or someone to walk the journey with you, I’d love to help.