The Hidden Epidemic and 5 Overlooked Factors in Modern Fertility Struggles
- Brainz Magazine
- May 26
- 4 min read
Written by Beatrice Jane Rabkin, Nutritional Consultant
Beatrice Rabkin is a Natural Fertility and Functional Nutrition expert who helps individuals overcome infertility and hormonal imbalances using holistic, science-backed approaches, including gut health support and breathwork.
As modern life grows more fast-paced and demanding, a silent crisis is emerging: fertility challenges are on the rise, and not just for those in their late 30s or 40s. Over the past 40 years, rates of infertility have steadily increased, and they are projected to worsen dramatically in the next two decades unless significant lifestyle and environmental changes are made.
Globally, 1 in 6 couples now struggle to conceive, and many receive diagnoses of "unexplained infertility" and “normal” test results. But beneath the surface, a number of physiological and environmental factors are silently impacting reproductive health. Understanding and addressing these underlying issues, often missed by conventional approaches, is essential for improving egg and sperm health, reducing miscarriage risk, and creating optimal conditions for conception and pregnancy outcomes.
1. The silent threat of asymptomatic inflammation
Chronic, low-grade inflammation, often undetected by symptoms or standard tests, can quietly interfere with reproductive health. This “silent inflammation” affects hormone regulation, damages reproductive tissues, and increases oxidative stress, all of which can hinder conception and increase the risk of miscarriage.
Emerging research suggests it plays a key role in cases of unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. Common triggers include poor diet, stress, gut dysfunction, environmental toxins, and autoimmune conditions. Reducing systemic inflammation through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and gut support is a powerful first step toward restoring fertility.
2. The gut-brain connection: Gut dysbiosis and fertility
The health of the gut microbiome is deeply connected to hormone balance, immune function, and fertility. When the gut is out of balance, a state known as gut dysbiosis, it can disrupt the gut-brain axis, leading to hormonal imbalances, systemic inflammation, and impaired reproductive function.
Conditions like IBS are common signs of gut dysbiosis, but many experience gut-related symptoms without a formal diagnosis. Imbalanced gut flora can affect estrogen metabolism, ovulation, sperm quality, and even immune tolerance during early pregnancy. Addressing gut health is an essential but often overlooked step in fertility preparation.
3. Nutrient deficiencies: A challenging environment for fertility
Key micronutrients are required for every stage of reproduction from hormone production to egg maturation, fertilization and embryo development. Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin D3, B12, folate, zinc and other nutrients can negatively impact fertility for both men and women. These are just some of how these nutrients can impact your fertility
Magnesium is critical for sperm motility and hormone regulation.
Vitamin D3 affects ovulation and implantation.
Folate and B12 are essential for DNA synthesis and early fetal development.
Zinc supports progesterone production, egg quality, and sperm production.
Modern diets and farming methods, stress, and poor absorption due to gut issues all contribute to suboptimal nutrient levels. A targeted approach to nutrition can improve outcomes at any age.
4. The impact of environmental chemicals on fertility
Our bodies are constantly exposed to environmental toxins from pesticides and plastics to heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These substances interfere with hormone signaling, damage reproductive cells and increase the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications.
Studies have found that the average newborn in the Western world has over 200 synthetic chemicals in their umbilical cord blood. Of these:
180 are known carcinogens
217 are toxic to the brain and nervous system
208 are linked to birth defects
These chemicals have only been introduced in recent decades, yet they are now ubiquitous in food, water, personal care products and household items. While more research is always valuable, the current data is alarming enough. It's time to take precautionary action, reducing exposure wherever possible.
5. The legacy of fertility challenges: Impact on future generations
The health of the ovum and sperm at conception shapes more than just fertility; it sets the foundation for the long-term health of future children. Fertility challenges have been linked to increased risk of developmental delays, metabolic conditions and chronic diseases in offspring.
Parental health can even influence the child’s epigenetic profile, the chemical markers that turn genes on or off, affecting disease risk and resilience for generations to come. Preparing the body for pregnancy isn't just about increasing the chances of conception, it's about giving your child the best possible start in life.
A call to action: Start preparing your body for parenthood
Fertility isn’t just a matter of chance, it’s deeply influenced by the choices you make every day. Whether you're planning fertility treatments like IVF or trying to conceive naturally, now is the time to invest in preconception care.
Join my masterclass “Your Fertility is in Your Hands” to prepare for pregnancy and cultivate your more abundant, fertile state.
This free training will teach you how to:
Understand the language of your body and decode subtle signs of imbalance
Support egg and sperm health at any age
Reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and improve gut function
Create a healthy foundation for conception and lifelong vitality, whatever your path to pregnancy.
Read more from Beatrice Jane Rabkin
Beatrice Jane Rabkin, Nutritional Consultant
Beatrice Rabkin is a Natural Fertility and Functional Nutrition expert with a background in pharmacy, Nutritional Medicine, and culinary arts. A former infertility patient herself, Beatrice supports individuals and couples in improving reproductive health through personalized, root-cause solutions. Her work integrates hormonal balance, gut health, breathwork, and sustainable lifestyle practices. She is a certified G.E.M.M. (Gut Ecology and Metabolic Modulation) practitioner and currently studying to be an Oxygen Advantage instructor, known for bridging science and compassion in her fertility coaching. Beatrice is passionate about helping others conceive naturally and create lasting health for future generations.
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