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Polyester underwear could be sabotaging your fertility, and most couples trying to conceive have no idea. In this eye-opening episode, I dive into fascinating research dating back to the 1990s that shows a direct connection between polyester underwear and decreased fertility.
A prolific surgeon with over a thousand published studies discovered that dogs wearing polyester underwear became infertile, with low sperm motility and other reproductive issues that reversed when the polyester was removed. (Dr. Shafik) Similar studies on human males showed comparable results, even affecting sexual desire and activity.
What’s particularly interesting is that while these studies initially focused on static electricity from polyester, we now know that chemicals commonly added to polyester fabrics, including flame retardants, phthalates, BPA, and PFAS, are all known reproductive toxins. This makes switching to natural fiber underwear even more crucial for anyone concerned about fertility.
If you’re trying to conceive or planning to in the future, this episode provides practical guidance on finding stylish, comfortable, 100% cotton underwear options for both you and your partner.
Plus, I invite you to the upcoming Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit, where I’ll share more insights on eliminating toxins that impact fertility. I’ll also provide a free downloadable checklist to help you create a fertility-friendly environment.
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:
- The scientific evidence linking polyester underwear to decreased fertility
- Why chemicals in polyester affect reproductive health and development
- How to find stylish, comfortable, 100% cotton underwear options
- The best natural fiber underwear brands for both women and men
- Details about the upcoming Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit
Chemicals in Polyester
Dr. Shafik’s studies led him to believe that it was the static shock caused by polyester that caused infertility and impacted sperm count. Thirty years later, we know there are a lot of other infertility-causing chemicals used on polyester, too.
These are the common chemicals sprayed on polyester:
- Flame retardants
- Phthalates
- BPA
- PFAS
It makes you wonder if this was happening back when Dr. Shafik was doing his studies or if this is a new thing that’s happened in the last few decades. I do want to point out that nothing was conclusive but there was a lot of coincidence, even though these were small studies.
I will never wear polyester underwear again. If you are trying to get pregnant or want to get pregnant in the future, I would highly recommend swapping to cotton underwear. And that goes for males and females!
My Favorite Cotton Underwear Brands
I always get asked where to find 100% cotton underwear that’s cute. Let’s be real – a lot of what’s on the market are granny panties, which is fine if that’s what you love! But more and more companies are making stylish 100% cotton underwear. These are some of my favorite brands!
Cotton underwear is just one piece of the fertility puzzle. There is so much more you can do to improve fertility. If you’re on that journey right now, please join me at the Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit.
Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit
When the doctors from Cultivate Fertility reached out and asked me to come speak at their Annual Virtual Fertility Summit, I found myself a little shocked (and so honored!)
This event is an incredible free resource for anyone on a fertility journey.
It’s a 3-day virtual event from April 23-25th in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week.
The best part is that you can watch it from the comfort of your couch because it’s all virtual.
I’ll be speaking on the everyday toxic exposures that lead to decreased egg quality and fertility and simple ways to avoid them.
I am also completely incapable of doing anything halfway, so I created an exclusive free download for all attendees called Toxin Free for Fertility: The Checklist.
Here are all the details:
This is a free three-day event featuring 20+ expert voices from diverse fields, including OB-GYNs, clean-living coaches (oh hi! That’s me!), trauma therapists, astrologers, medical doctors, fertility yoga instructors, and more.
Here are just a few of the things we’ll dive into:
- Why egg and sperm quality matters — and what you can do to improve it naturally
- How to heal hormone-related imbalances from birth control, PCOS, and other conditions
- How inflammation impacts fertility and what to do about it
- Tips for conception in your 40s
- Fertility tracking — the truth vs the myths
- Which products in your home might be doing more harm than good
- How self-care and mindset practices can elevate your fertility journey
- And much more
We’re coming together to share the latest science, spiritual practices, and holistic tools for supporting fertility and increasing egg and sperm quality.
Register for the Annual Cultivate Seeds of Fertility Summit.
I can’t wait to see you there!
If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please:
- Leave a positive review or rating wherever you listen
- Shop toxin-free products on my Toxin Free Shopping Guide
- Download your free 25 Toxins to Avoid
- Post a screenshot, share what you loved, and tag me on Instagram @wendy_toxinfreeish
- Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.
Related Episodes:
Episode 46: The Link Between Fragrance and Infertility: Cracking the Fragrance Code, Part 3
Episode 65: From Harmful to Healing: AIZOME Leading the Way With Plant-Dyed, Synthetic-Free Textiles
Episode 78: How to Choose Safe Menstrual Products and Avoid Heavy Metals in Tampons
Episode 102: The Hidden Chemicals in Clothing: What Every Consumer Needs to Know with Hannah Dunning
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