You might not realize it, but there may be things on the shelves in your home that are actually interfering with your ability to get pregnant. A number of different kinds of environmental factors can contribute to difficulties with getting pregnant. While these things aren’t as significant a risk as something like smoking or exposure to heavy metals, it’s worth taking a minute or two to look at some of the potential household items that may be putting your fertility at risk, or at least making it more of a challenge.

Here are some household items that can, in some circumstances, affect getting pregnant:

• Soaps. Some antibacterial soap, especially those that contain triclosan, can actually cause problems with getting pregnant. There is some research that suggests triclosan can interfere with your hormone levels, thereby impacting your reproductive system. There is also some evidence to suggest that the chemical can cause a low sperm count. Try to avoid products like soap, shampoo, dish and laundry soap, and even toothpaste that can contain triclosan.
• Pots and pans. Nonstick pots and pans, in particular, can cause a problem with getting pregnant. The chemical known as perfluorooctanoic acid – or PFOA for short – has been connected with fertility problems. In addition, there is some information to suggest that babies who are born to moms that have PFOA blood levels may be developmentally delayed. Consider dumping your Teflon pans, and watch out for other items that contain PFOA.
• Canned food. One of the more harmful chemicals often found in home products is BPA. BPA may be contained in plastic containers, but it is also sometimes found in the lining of cans made from aluminum, and even the paper that receipts are printed on. BPA can reduce the count of viable eggs you have, and it may also be linked to PCOS.
• Laundry detergent. There are some chemicals in some laundry detergents that can interfere with your menstrual cycle, cause miscarriage, and even affect the quality of sperm. Try to avoid petroleum-based detergents, and get rid of those that contain parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde.