What you wash your clothes with probably isn’t the first thing you think about when planning for IVF or egg freezing, but lately, it’s been showing up more in fertility books and TikToks alike. So, is it legit? Or just another fear-fueled rabbit hole?

Let’s break it down.

Why is laundry detergent being talked about in fertility circles?

It comes down to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These are ingredients that can interfere with your hormones — your body’s messengers that regulate everything from your cycle to your ability to ovulate.

Some laundry detergents (and household products in general) contain ingredients like:

• Phthalates
  
  
• Fragrance (often listed just as “fragrance”)
  
  
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
  
  
• Optical brighteners
  
  

While these aren’t listed as direct causes of infertility, some studies suggest that long-term exposure to high levels of EDCs could potentially affect reproductive health, especially when combined with other lifestyle and environmental factors.

So it’s less “this detergent will ruin your chances of conceiving and if you don’t remove it you’ll never get pregnant,” and more “this might be one piece of a larger puzzle.”

Is this science-backed — or scaremongering?

Let’s be clear: doing laundry isn’t a fertility risk.
But the ingredients in some products — especially those heavily scented or loaded with synthetic chemicals — can contribute to your overall hormone load.

Research into the link between EDCs and fertility is still developing. But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has said that minimizing exposure to certain chemicals where you can might be beneficial, particularly when undergoing fertility treatment.

So, the bottom line: it’s not panic-worthy — but if you’re in prep mode for IVF or egg freezing, it might be something worth paying attention to.

Should you switch your laundry detergent?

If you're someone who’s already making changes — eating to support egg quality, reducing BPA, cutting back on alcohol — switching to a low-tox detergent can feel like a simple, empowering step.

Look for:

• Fragrance-free or naturally scented
• Free of phthalates, dyes, and optical brighteners
• Plant-based or EWG-verified brands

Popular picks include Seventh Generation Free & Clear, Better Life, Ecover Zero, Molly’s Suds, Branch Basics, and Attitude Living.

But remember: you don’t have to overhaul your life to “deserve” good results. Changing things may make you feel like you’re more in control – it’s not about doing everything perfectly, rather than doing what feels right and doable for you. 

TL;DR

• Laundry detergent alone won’t make or break your fertility outcomes.
  
  
• But some contain hormone-disrupting ingredients that might contribute to overall hormone load.
  
  
• If you’re prepping for IVF or egg freezing, switching to a low-tox, fragrance-free detergent can be a small but impactful step — if it feels good to you.
  
  
• You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do what feels manageable and supportive.
  
  

Your fertility journey is personal.
Whether you swap your detergent or not, Gaia’s here to back you with human support, flexible financing, and zero judgment. From your first question to your final cycle — we’ve got you from day one to day baby.

Need help preparing for treatment?
Learn more about Gaia Prepared — our fertility treatment prep plan that gets you expert support, financial guidance, and a whole lot of peace of mind.

‍