We don't have enough solid proof to say that being exposed to certain chemicals (PFNA, PFDA, or PFHxS) affects a woman's ability to get pregnant.

What we've found so far is that there isn’t enough strong evidence to determine whether exposure to PFNA, PFDA, or PFHxS affects female fertility [1]. Our current analysis shows that all 39.0 studies reviewed support the idea that we lack solid proof of a link—none refute it [1]. We looked at what’s been studied so far and found that while these chemicals are part of a larger group often investigated for potential health effects, the specific connection between PFNA, PFDA, or PFHxS and a woman’s ability to get pregnant remains unclear. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward acknowledging a gap in certainty rather than pointing to a clear pattern [1]. This doesn’t mean these chemicals have no effect—it means the research available right now doesn’t give us enough reliable data to say either way. We don’t yet have consistent measurements, long-term tracking, or large-scale human studies that directly tie exposure levels to changes in fertility outcomes like ovulation, time to pregnancy, or reproductive hormone levels. Without that, we can’t draw firm conclusions. Our analysis is based on the data that’s been collected so far, and we recognize that future research could change what we understand. What this means for you: At this point, we can’t say whether everyday exposure to PFNA, PFDA, or PFHxS impacts fertility. If you're concerned about chemical exposure, reducing contact with known sources—like certain non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, or contaminated water—may be a reasonable step, but we don’t have proof it will affect fertility outcomes. We’ll keep updating our analysis as new evidence comes in.