Air pollution, which has once again covered the skies of Delhi with air quality reaching ‘severe’ level in most parts of the National Capital Region, has been linked to a number of health concerns, including breathlessness, chronic bronchitis, chest tightness, lung and chest infections, among others. But, did you know that air pollution can also significantly affect one’s fertility? “Although the biggest causal factor infertility As a woman ages, several studies have shown that daily exposure to high levels of pollution is also potentially associated with a decline in fertility,” said Dr Ratna Saxena, IVF specialist, Nova Southend IVF and Fertility in Bijwasan .
He is associated with deteriorating air quality low sex drive, “Many couples attempting to conceive are finding their sexual interest declines,” she said. indianexpress.com,
Agreed, Dr. Shilpa Eloor, Senior Consultant – Reproductive Medicine, Milan Fertility Hospital, Whitefield, Bangalore said that air pollution reduces fertility and delivery procedure, in addition to causing early death. “Air pollution has been associated in several studies with infertility, difficult births, an increase in birth abnormalities in offspring, and stillbirths,” he said.
But, why does this happen?
Dr Saxena cites a 2018 study of 1,285 pregnant Women in Chennai and its surrounding districts found that every 10-g/m3 increase in PM 2.5 could result in a four-gram reduction in birth weight. “Other research studies support the theory that breathing poor-quality air increases the risk of other aspects of fertility, such as premature birth and low birth weight. In addition, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) Perinatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM) has been shown to affect the neuropsychological development of children,” she said.
Air pollution remains in the ‘severe’ category (Source: Express Photo by Praveen Khanna)
Experts say air pollution may also have an effect Sperm Quality. “According to a study conducted by Hammood et al, PM2.5 exposure was found to be negatively related to sperm morphology and motility,” Saxena said.
Dr Elur said environmental pollutants release reactive oxygen species (ROS) that “can subject sperm to oxidative stress and cause DNA fragmentation (broken DNA in the sperm head)”. This, in turn, can lead infertility Problem.
In addition, Dr Saxena said that breathing in air containing estrogenic and antiandrogenic substances such as copper, zinc And lead, if inhaled over a long period of time, can impair testosterone and sperm cell production. “Endocrine disruptors produce estrogenic, antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic activity, interfere with the thyroid axis and affect metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and obesityboth of which are strongly associated with infertility,” she added.
So what can be done?
The expert suggested everyone to control their sleep cycle. “Sleep is an important factor in fertility because it allows many cells to reproduce while regulating the body’s rhythms” hormones Change. In addition, sleep darkens the production of melatonin, which can benefit entire body systems,” Dr. Saxena said.
There are certain lifestyle measures that can be taken to preserve fertility, he added. “To maintain overall good health, exercise daily, avoid preserved foods, eat a well-balanced diet, avoid foods such as Liquor or tobacco, discuss drug side effects with your doctor, and avoid endocrine disruptors,” she said.
However, if the problem persists, it is recommended to consult a fertility specialist.
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