How bad air impacts fertility in men and women

As Delhi gasps for breath in abysmally polluted atmospheric conditions, impact on health is obvious. Heache, breathlessness, fatigue, skin infections and hair loss as well as a number of respiratory ailments have all become a part of winters here that only a dece ago were so famous but have now gained notoriety because of plummeting AQI levels. But impact on our physical health may be far deeper and longstanding than you might think. Experts say that rising pollution levels in air are affecting fertility levels both male and female. Its an aspect that's generally ignored but re's actual data and studies that show it is a reality.

Pollution and its impact on Fertility

Here's a look at how toxins in air affect fertility

1. HORMONES: Hormonal  imbalances can directly impact quality and quantity of sperms and eggs. Endocrine disruptors present in polluted air play havoc with body's hormones creating imbalances in system. This in turn affects menstrual cycle in women which makes conception extremely challenging. 
2. DNA Damage: Fertility is affected when an imbalance challenges body's ability to neutralise production of free ricals. condition is known as Oxidative Stress which can damage cells including reproductive ones. Pollution can cause epigenetic modifications, transforming patterns of gene expression. 
3. Chronic Inflammation: Fertility is affected when inflammation to harmful stimuli which is orwise natural becomes chronic. When this happens reproductive system is directly affected and consequence is infertility.  
4. Sperm Count: Fertility is affected when sperm production is damaged by an abnormal rise in body temperatures. It is a condition that is directly related to pollutants in air that could increase body temperatures. One well known example is decrease in sperm production that has been attributed to extensive laptop use. 

Post Diwali, national capital's air quality has again fallen into 'severe' category. number of couples who are having trouble conceiving in urban areas is fast increasing in India as experts say both male and female fertility has been impacted by spike in air pollution levels. 

Some common pollutants impacting hormonal system and in turn menstrual cycles, quality and quantity of eggs, sexual drive among or factors   are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. ded to this are particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and  nitrogen dioxide (NO2). 

Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA),perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and phthalates have severe verse impact. 

n re are those disruptions that are furr complicating issue even if pregnancy does happen. For instance, placenta is vulnerable to toxins in air while issues like preterm birth,developmental issues and low birth weight, in newborn are all caused by extreme pollution as Delhi NCR is experiencing se past few winters.  

Simple protective measures

• Use air Purifiers at home, both natural and machine 
• Choose natural household cleaners inste of chemical ones
• Use mask outdoors
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Stay hydrated