Clean air is a necessity that can’t be compromised. We all know the downside of poor air quality like respiratory problems, headaches, irritated eyes, and even serious disorders. Did you know that air pollution and fertility are more closely linked than you may know. It may catch you off guard to know that air pollutants also majorly affect fertility.
Studies have confirmed that being constantly exposed to air pollutants, especially those living near busy roads or urban settings lowers ovarian reserve and reduces pregnancy rates, making it harder for couples to conceive. It’s not our lungs that suffer, it’s our chances of having a baby too. So. fertility and environmental factors go hand in hand too.
Pollutants that affect fertility in couples
Air pollution can affect fertility because of harmful particles like PM10, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants come from factories, vehicles, construction, and even wildfires.
Polluted air doesn’t just harm your lungs—it’s linked to asthma, heart problems, cancer, and more. But here’s something new: studies show air pollution can also make it harder to have children. The WHO says 1 in 6 couples worldwide faces trouble conceiving. This shows why clean air is so important for health and fertility.
How can pollution affect male fertility?
Air pollution is also linked with birth defects and poses risks to pregnancies and infants. But you may think, how does air pollution affect fertility? For obvious reasons, we mostly relate factors like age or lifestyle when it comes to fertility issues. But surprisingly, air pollution plays a bigger role than we realize. Prolonged exposure to pollutants causes inflammation and oxidative stress in our cells. This disturbs reproductive hormones, making it more difficult to achieve pregnancy. It’s one of those hidden factors that’s easy to neglect but has a huge impact.
Impact of pollution on female fertility?
Lately, more women are dealing with hormonal issues that affect their reproductive health. A toxic environment affects hormone levels, messes with menstrual cycles, and impacts fertility. Studies have found that pollution, particularly particulate matter, has a role in this.
High levels of pollution can lower AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone), which affects fertility. It reduces the Antral Follicle Count (AFC), a key factor in ovarian reserve. This disruption causes higher rates of miscarriage and even stillbirth.
Does air pollution also affect pregnancy?
Air pollution and fertility are deeply connected, but pollution also affects pregnancy itself. High stress, whether from fertility treatments or pregnancy itself, can mess with hormone levels and lead to complications. This can make it harder for couples to get pregnant.
Tips to prevent fertility issues due to excessively polluted air
Monitor air quality index: Knowing which air contaminants are harming your health is helpful. The environmental groups’ data on air quality can be used to verify it. This involves making well-informed choices on outdoor pursuits. Installing an air quality monitor is another way to assess the indoor air quality.
Get good purifiers: High-tech air purifiers with HEPA filters effectively clean the air and improve its quality. These devices create a cleaner indoor environment, allowing you to breathe fresher air. For moms-to-be and their unborn children, ensuring clean air indoors promotes better well-being.
Step out less: Be aware of the spikes in air pollution to make necessary changes in your daily schedules. Try to refrain from indulging a lot in outdoor activities when air quality is poisonous. Being indoors during the peak hours protects from dangerous pollutant exposure.
Keep up with a healthy lifestyle: Avoiding repeated or prolonged exposure to air pollution can keep you safe from a lot of unexpected effects of air pollution on fertility. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can boost how you feel overall. If the air outside isn’t great, why not switch things up and work out indoors? It’s an easy way to stay safe and healthy.
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