PFAS Exposure Reduces IVF Success Across the Board
NonToxCo Research
Science & Safety Team · 4/7/2026
Women going through IVF with higher PFAS levels had fewer eggs, fewer viable embryos, fewer high-quality blastocysts, and lower pregnancy rates. PFAS is undermining fertility treatment at every stage.
What the Study Found
A 2026 study in Reprod Toxicol measured 17 PFAS compounds in the blood of 275 women undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. The results were bad across the board.
The emerging replacement 6:2 Cl-PFESA was linked to fewer fertilized eggs and cleavage embryos. 8:2 Cl-PFESA lowered fertilization rates. Long-chain PFAS (PFUnDA, PFTrDA, PFTeDA) reduced both egg quantity and embryo quality. PFHxS cut the number of high-quality blastocysts. PFOA was linked to lower rates of biochemical and clinical pregnancy.
The Mixture Makes It Worse
When researchers looked at combined PFAS exposure as a mixture, the results were even clearer. Mixed PFAS was negatively correlated with every measured outcome: oocytes retrieved, mature oocytes, fertilized eggs, embryos, and blastocyst quality.
What This Means for Fertility
IVF already costs tens of thousands of dollars per cycle. If environmental chemicals are reducing success rates, couples are paying for cycles that PFAS is sabotaging. And these chemicals were found at levels common in the general population.
How to Improve Your Chances
Reduce PFAS exposure before and during fertility treatment. Filter your water. Ditch nonstick cookware. Avoid stain-resistant and waterproof-treated products. Check out non-toxic baby products for a cleaner environment while trying to conceive.
Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.