Exposure to air pollution may harm male and female fertility: Doctor

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Various factors like stress, unhealthy diets, obesity, and diabetes but also air pollution can negatively impact the fertility of both men and women. These factors can take a toll on one's reproductive health and result in challenges with conception. It is crucial to consult a fertility specialist to enhance the chances of conceiving successfully.

Air pollution is becoming an increasing concern. It not only affects your respiratory, eye, or skin health but also hurts your fertility. There is a significant link between air pollution and infertility problems in males and females. "Pollutants present in the air like particulate matter (PM), toxic chemicals, and heavy metals can take a heavy toll on the reproductive health of males and females. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can highly interfere with the woman's hormones causing hormonal imbalance and irregular menses. Hormonal balance is crucial for regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation in women and imbalance can cause disruption. The chances of conceiving naturally decrease when the woman's ovulation is delayed hurting their fertility. It does not just affect a woman's menstrual cycles but also lowers the quality of the eggs. It can further lead to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which can have a severe impact on the woman's fertility," said Dr Neha Tripathi, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Indirapuram.

Dr Tripathi added, "Air pollution is a serious threat that affects not only fertility in women but also in men. Some researchers highlight that long-term exposure to harmful pollutants such as vehicle emissions and industrial chemicals can have negative effects on men's reproductive health. These environmental toxins can further lead to complications like reduced sperm count and impaired sperm motility making it challenging for the sperm to fertilize the egg for a successful pregnancy. It can also severely damage the DNA in the sperm. Recognising and addressing these hidden dangers of air pollution becomes crucial to protecting your fertility."

It becomes necessary to follow proactive measures to significantly protect fertility in both men and women. "It is advised to limit their exposure to high levels of pollution. Avoid traveling during peak traffic hours as the levels of air pollution will be higher during this hour. Always check the air quality index (AQI) before making any plans or going outdoors. In case, you are going outdoors then make sure that you carry a mask for maximum protection. One can try investing in a good air purifier as indoor air quality is as important as outdoor air quality. Lifestyle modifications like eating a healthy balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking or alcohol, and exercising regularly can help safeguard your fertility. Going for regular health screenings or fertility checkups can be helpful especially if you are actively trying to conceive. Ensure that you stay in touch with your fertility doctor to effectively monitor your reproductive health," concluded Dr Tripathi.