Pesticides are endocrine disruptors, which affect hormones such as androgens, leading to problems in fertility.

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For any couple, struggling with fertility issues can be incredibly stressful. And the incidence of fertility problems appears to be increasing. Researchers have found that sperm quality and count in men is declining.[1]

There are numerous factors that may be to blame for what causes low sperm count in men. But one surprising one may be what you eat: men who eat foods laden with pesticides tend to have lower sperm quality.

Why are pesticides harmful to male fertility?

Pesticides are endocrine disruptors, which affect hormones such as androgens, leading to problems in fertility.[2] They may change the structure or motility of sperm, and damage sperm-producing cells.[2] This can lead to reduced sperm count, reduced sperm viability, and the production of abnormal, dysfunctioning sperm.[3]

Occupational pesticide exposure is known to reduce male fertility

Men who work in the agricultural industry, such as on farms, are often exposed to high levels of pesticides through their work. This type of occupational exposure to pesticides has long-been associated with poor semen quality and reduced male fertility.[2] But are pesticides harmful only when people are exposed to them in this way, or can the simple act of eating an apple at home raise your risk for fertility problems as well?

The risks of dietary exposure to pesticides

A recent study published in the journal Human Reproduction analyzed data from over 155 men. They found that there was an inverse relationship between the intake of fruits and vegetables with high pesticide residues and semen quality. Men who ate the most high-pesticide fruits and vegetables had 49% lower total sperm count, 32% fewer normal sperm, and 29% lower ejaculate volumes than men who ate the least amount of pesticide residue-laden produce. The data provided strong evidence that dietary exposure to pesticide residues is associated with poorer sperm count and quality.[1]

How to limit your pesticide exposure

The best way to avoid pesticides is to choose organic foods. Eating organic produce, meat, and dairy significantly reduces your exposure to pesticide residues. Read our blog, The Dirty Dozen Foods List: Most Important Foods to Buy Organic, for tips on shopping organic and avoiding those foods with highest amounts of pesticides.

If you grow your own food at home, avoid using any non-organic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. Try these DIY Pest Control & Weed Repellant solutions instead.

Share your experience

Do you eat organic? What reasons do you have for limiting pesticide exposure? Do you have other tips for protecting fertility? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

[1] Hum Reprod. 2015 Mar 30. pii: dev064. [Epub ahead of print]

[2] Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Jun;20(3):229-33.

[3] Toxicol Lett. 2014 Oct 15;230(2):146-56.