Veterinary medicine is one of the few healthcare professions in the U.S. where women make up the vast majority. According to recent Zippia data, nearly 63% of veterinarians in the US are women. This marks a sharp rise from the equal gender split seen in 2010.

By 2020, nearly two-thirds of practicing vets were female. This shift has brought new attention to risks that mostly affect women, especially concerning reproductive health. If you’re a female vet or know someone in the field, understanding how certain workplace factors and lifestyle choices impact fertility is key. 

These risks, especially those tied to reproductive health, often go unnoticed. But by understanding them, you can take meaningful steps to protect both your well-being and future fertility.

The Numbers Tell a Clear Story

The increasing number of women in veterinary medicine means that more professionals are facing gender-specific risks. In 2020, over 65% of US veterinarians were women. This trend has remained relatively consistent since. Yet, despite this change, many clinic safety protocols haven’t caught up. 

Most protocols were created when the profession was male-dominated and didn’t fully address the biological needs of female workers. You may be lifting heavy animals, working during pregnancy, or handling chemicals without realizing the reproductive risks involved. Moreover, these hazards are part of a larger conversation about vigilance in health. 

This critical attention to what goes into our bodies and how medical products perform isn’t unique to veterinary professionals. Across the medical industry, individuals are increasingly vigilant about product safety and its long-term effects. A striking example in human health is the ongoing Paragard IUD lawsuit, where women with these implants raised concerns about complications and failures. 

TorHoerman Law mentions that as of 2025, over 3,000 of these suits are pending, with trials scheduled to begin in early 2026. These cases underscore a universal truth. Vigilance and informed understanding of health-related products are essential, whether for human patients or those caring for animals.

These instances remind us how essential it is to stay informed about what we put in our bodies and what we’re exposed to. It particularly applies to chemical hazards in veterinary clinics.

Chemical Dangers in Daily Work

Everyday tasks in a vet clinic can involve substances that harm your reproductive system. These include anesthetic gases, radiation, and even the chemotherapy drugs used to treat animals. You may also be exposed to pesticides and harsh cleaning agents.

Waste anesthetic gases, such as isoflurane and sevoflurane, pose a particular threat. These gases can leak from equipment and accumulate in the air. Long-term exposure may reduce fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage, especially during early pregnancy. According to a 2023 paper, operating room staff exposed to these waste gases have significantly more DNA damage compared to those not exposed. 

The paper reviewed 29 studies and concluded that the gases also damage chromosome structure and increase the risk of cell mutation. That’s why it’s important to check your scavenging system and equipment regularly. You should also be equally cautious when handling hormonal medications used in animal treatments. 

Even minor skin contact can disrupt your hormone levels, affecting your menstrual cycle and fertility. Chemotherapy drugs, or cytotoxic agents, are another concern. These substances can build up in your body over time and damage your reproductive system. Always use proper protective gear when handling these medications.

Environmental Factors You Cannot Ignore

You’re also exposed to radiation in various clinical settings. X-rays and other imaging tools carry known risks. Radiation is dangerous during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Some experts even recommend avoiding these tasks entirely if you’re trying to conceive or are newly pregnant.

Zoonotic diseases, those passed from animals to humans, are another serious concern. Toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, and brucellosis are just a few examples. These can cause fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and even harm fetal development. Practicing strict hygiene and following safety protocols is key to reducing these risks.

Noise pollution is another factor that’s overlooked. A Danish study found that in women over 35, exposure to traffic noise over 10 decibels above average increases the infertility risk by 14%. However, according to The Conversation, it may take over five years of exposure for the impact on women to become clear.

Vet clinics are rarely quiet. The constant barking, loud equipment, and fast-paced work environment can cause stress and disrupt hormone levels, which may impact your reproductive health. While workplace exposures are a major concern, personal lifestyle choices can also quietly affect fertility, especially those related to nutrition.

The Diet Connection Most Vets Miss

As a female veterinarian, you’re more inclined to follow a plant-based diet for ethical reasons. A 2024 study reveals that 46% of women adopt vegetarianism for ethical concerns, compared to just 30% of men. When working with animals daily, abstaining from meat often feels like the most natural decision, as women are more sensitive to animal rights. 

But this can come at a cost. A key factor in female fertility is the ovarian reserve, the limited number of eggs women are born with. A 2023 University of Montreal study, using mouse models, highlights a protein called SF-1 as vital for forming this reserve. When SF-1 was low, it led to fewer eggs and premature infertility. 

If you follow a vegan or low-protein diet, always consult a registered dietitian. They can help adjust your nutrition to ensure your body receives the essential nutrients, especially if you’re planning a pregnancy. Your diet is just one piece of the puzzle. In reality, your entire lifestyle, inside and outside the clinic, can impact your reproductive health.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q1. Can working in a vet clinic affect your menstrual cycle?

Yes, prolonged exposure to hormonal drugs and anesthetic gases can influence your hormone balance, which may lead to irregular periods. Stress, night shifts, and contact with endocrine-disrupting chemicals may also contribute. Wearing protective gear and limiting exposure can help maintain hormonal health.

Q2. What specific steps can female vets take to reduce chemical exposure risks?

Always ensure strict ventilation and proper waste disposal in your clinic. Check equipment for leaks, especially anesthetic machines. Practice excellent hand hygiene, washing thoroughly after handling drugs or chemicals. Consider specialized protective creams or gloves beyond standard PPE for added skin protection. Talk to your employer about comprehensive safety training.

Q3. Are there specific fertility screenings female vets should consider?

Yes, proactive screening is smart. Discuss your occupational exposures with a fertility specialist. They might suggest hormone level checks or ovarian reserve testing. Regular check-ups help monitor your reproductive health. Early detection allows for timely intervention. This can help preserve your fertility for the future.

If you’re a woman working in veterinary medicine, your job brings unique reproductive health challenges. From chemical exposures and physical stress to nutrient deficiencies and overlooked environmental triggers, these risks are real and often underreported.

As the field becomes increasingly female-led, the conversation around safety and support needs to evolve. Protecting your fertility starts with understanding your work environment, habits, and medical choices. Staying informed helps you take charge of both your health and your career.

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