How air pollution affects fertility in men and women

As Mumbai grapples with the urgent need for air quality management the pressing issue extends beyond respiratory concerns Amidst the environmental crisis research has shed light on the disturbing repercussions on fertility in both men and womenThe elevated concentrations of pollutants characterised by high levels of PM25 and other toxic airborne particles are posing a direct threat to reproductive health shares Dr Lavi Sindhu consultant MBBS DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology Birla Fertility and IVF New DelhildquoAir pollutions impact on fertility is a critical concern within the medical community While advanced maternal age is a primary factor daily exposure to high pollution levels is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to declining fertility Deteriorating air quality not only affects respiratory health but also leads to reduced sexual drive among couples trying to conceiverdquo informs Dr Nisha Bhatnagar MBBS MD ObGyn Medical Director Infinite FertilityStudies indicate a correlation between prolonged exposure to such pollutants and disruptions in hormonal balance adversely affecting fertility outcomes Medical experts necessitate the use of masks in highly polluted areas to protect onersquos fertilityAlso ReadAmid high pollution levels docs urge people to keep lungs healthyHow air pollution affects male and female infertilityResearch supports the link between air pollution and reproductive complications including infertility challenging pregnancies birth abnormalities and stillbirths informs Bhatnagar Studies show that even a 10gm3 increase in PM 25 levels can result in a fourgram decrease in a babys birth weight Sperm quality is also affected with PM25 exposure negatively impacting sperm morphology and motilityEnvironmental contaminants induce oxidative stress in sperm potentially leading to DNA fragmentation and infertility Exposure to air with oestrogenic and antiandrogenic substances can impair testosterone and sperm production These endocrine disruptors may lead to hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders linked to infertilityImpact of air pollution on male and female fertilityReduced sperm qualityFor men exposure to air pollutants like particulate matter PM heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can lead to decreased sperm quality This can result in lower sperm count reduced sperm motility and increased DNA damage in sperm cells making it more challenging to achieve pregnancyHormonal imbalanceAir pollution can disrupt the endocrine system in both genders affecting the balance of reproductive hormones In women this can lead to irregular menstrual cycles anovulation and even conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome PCOS making conception difficultHigher risk of miscarriageProlonged exposure to air pollution is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage in pregnant women Pollutants like PM25 and PM10 can enter the bloodstream and potentially harm the developing foetusImpact on ovarian reserveFor women air pollution may lead to a reduction in ovarian reserve which represents the number of viable eggs in the ovaries This can accelerate the process of ovarian ageing making it more challenging to conceiveDelayed time to pregnancyBoth men and women exposed to high levels of air pollution may experience a delay in pregnancy This means it may take longer to conceive causing emotional and psychological stressPrecautions and treatment optionsTo prevent fertility damage from air pollution individuals can take proactive steps to minimise exposure and protect their reproductive health One crucial measure is to reduce exposure to polluted air Stay indoors on days when air quality is poor and consider using air purifiers in your home to filter out harmful particles Ensuring good ventilation is essential to maintaining a cleaner indoor environment informs SindhuWhen venturing outdoors in highly polluted areas wearing masks can serve as an additional barrier against inhaling harmful particles This simple but effective precaution can significantly reduce the intake of pollutants that may impact fertilityAlso ReadMumbais air quality in moderate categoryAdditionally a wellbalanced diet plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of air pollution on fertility Opt for a diet rich in antioxidants as these compounds can help combat oxidative stress caused by exposure to pollutants Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also contribute to overall reproductive wellbeing supporting the bodys resilience against environmental stressorsIf fertility issues arise despite preventive measures seeking guidance from a reproductive specialist is paramount These experts can conduct thorough evaluations identify potential causes and recommend appropriate treatmentsAssisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation IVF or intrauterine insemination IUI may be suggested based on individual circumstances providing viable options for those facing challenges in conceiving due to the impact of air pollution on reproductive healthWay forwardldquoAs healthcare providers we must encourage patients to protect their fertilityrdquo says Bhatnagar Controlling sleep patterns avoiding harmful substances and discussing medication sideeffects are essential steps to combat the worsening impact of air pollutionIn response to these challenges emerging solutions encompass lifestyle modifications and the practice of egg freezing While with the former approach one can achieve holistic health the latter can help safeguard reproductive potential effectively countering the environmental risks posed by indoor air pollutionBy preserving eggs at a younger age when they are typically of higher quality couples and women can increase their chances of achieving healthy pregnancies later in life even in the presence of environmental challengesThese measures collectively represent a proactive response to the threats posed by indoor air pollution empowering individuals to take control of their reproductive future Avoiding environmental endocrine disruptors is crucial If fertility challenges persist consult a fertility specialist We as medical professionals need to address air pollutions complex impact on reproductive health and empower individuals to preserve their fertility shares Bhatnagar