Cases of problems related to fertility have increased rapidly in the last one or two decades, both men and women have been its victims. In some studies, experts believed that the way our lifestyle is deteriorating could be a side effect of the same. At the same time, in some other studies, other factors along with underlying health problems were also blamed.
Meanwhile, recently researchers from Nord University in Denmark have made a big disclosure based on a study done on increasing fertility problems. It has been found that men who are exposed to air pollution for a long time may be at higher risk of such disorders.
Based on the report of this study published in the BMJ Journal, health experts have advised all people to remain alert. Especially those living in the capital Delhi-NCR need to be more careful. It is worth noting that the Switzerland-based air-quality monitoring group had said in a report published this year that Delhi was the most polluted capital in the world in 2023. The NCR region faces poor air quality during most months of the year.
Problems are increasing due to air pollution
This study says that air pollution, especially PM 2.5, is a serious problem for our health. It not only increases respiratory diseases but is also a major cause of reproductive disorders. Exposure to PM 2.5 is increasing the risk of impotence in men. Similarly, noise pollution is associated with a higher risk of infertility in women.
Scientists said that one in every seven couples faces fertility problems. If effective measures are not taken to control the increasing pollution, this risk can be even higher.
What did the study find out?
For the study, researchers analyzed the data of 526,056 men and 377,850 women aged 30 to 45 years who had less than two children. Apart from this, data of those who were actively trying to conceive was also taken. The average amount of PM2.5 pollution around the homes of all the participants was recorded from time to time.
During the study, the researchers diagnosed fertility problems in 16,172 men and 22,672 women. Investigations conducted at several levels found that the risk of impotence increased by 24% in men aged 30 to 45 years in those participants whose residences had high levels of PM2.5.
Problems caused by pollution
Apart from this, road traffic and other types of noise were seen to affect the reproductive health of women. Exposure to noise levels 10.2 decibels above the average over five years increased the risk of infertility by 14% in women over the age of 35.
Human studies show that air pollution can reduce the quality of semen, affecting parameters such as its volume, sperm concentration, and motility. On the other hand, pollution can cause ovarian disorders, reduced fertility, and irregularity in the menstrual cycle in women, which causes reproductive disorders.
What do the researchers say?
The researchers said, many countries around the world are facing a decline in birth rate, so information about environmental pollutants affecting fertility is important. If our results are confirmed in future studies, then we are facing a serious situation. It is not right to limit pollution to respiratory disorders only. Earlier also, in many other studies, everyone has been warned about the serious health disorders caused by PM 2.5.
(PC: Freepik)
