BPA and Its Replacements Are Hurting Couples' Fertility

Couples trying to get pregnant may be sabotaged by a chemical in their water bottles. Bisphenol A (BPA) and its so-called "safer" replacements are linked to subfecundity, a reduced ability to conceive.

What the Study Found

A 2026 prospective study in Environmental Health measured urinary bisphenol A and its emerging substitutes in preconception couples and tracked who had trouble conceiving. The result: higher levels of bisphenols were associated with subfecundity.

The study didn't just look at BPA. It also tested for newer replacements like BPS and BPF, the chemicals companies switched to after BPA got bad press. Those substitutes showed up in urine too, and they weren't any better for fertility.

"BPA-Free" Isn't a Free Pass

BPS and BPF have similar chemical structures to BPA and act as endocrine disruptors in the same ways. Swapping one bisphenol for another doesn't fix the problem. It just changes the name on the label.

What You Can Do

If you're trying to conceive, reduce your bisphenol exposure. Ditch plastic food and drink containers entirely. Use glass or stainless steel. Avoid canned foods. Don't handle thermal receipt paper. These small changes can lower your body's bisphenol burden within weeks.

Check out our non-toxic home essentials for plastic-free alternatives.

Also see non-toxic kitchen essentials for safer alternatives.

Source: Yin A, Tse LA, Chen A, et al. (2026). Environ Health.