How bad air impacts fertility in men and women

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

1. HORMONES: Hormonal  imbalances can directly impact the quality and quantity of sperms and eggs. Endocrine disruptors present in polluted air play havoc with the body's hormones creating imbalances in the system. This in turn affects the menstrual cycle in women which makes conception extremely challenging. 
2. DNA Damage: Fertility is affected when an imbalance challenges the body's ability to neutralise the production of free radicals. the 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 otherwise natural becomes chronic. When this happens the reproductive system is directly affected and the 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 the air that could increase body temperatures. One well known example is the decrease in sperm production that has been attributed to extensive laptop use. 

Post Diwali, the national capital's air quality has again fallen into the 'severe' category. The 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 the spike in air pollution levels. 

Some common pollutants impacting the hormonal system and in turn menstrual cycles, the quality and quantity of eggs, the sexual drive among other factors   are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals. Added 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 adverse impact. 

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

Simple protective measures

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