Can Air Pollution Harm Male fertility ? Is Sperm Health Affected By Smog? Know Here

One of the major health risks is still air pollution. Although its effects on the heart and lungs are frequently discussed, its impact on fertility is a less well-known but no less concerning risk.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that contaminated air not only damages our lungs but may also subtly interfere with our ability to procreate.Long-term exposure to air pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) has been associated with decreased ovarian reserve, decreased pregnancy rates, and even damage to sperm DNA.

How Do Environmental Pollutants Affect Male Fertility

Researchers from all over the world are seeing a slow decrease in the concentration, motility, and shape of sperm in males who live in cities.Long-term exposure to contaminated air has been linked to low-quality semen,which affects both natural conception and IVF-assisted conception.

Oxidative stress is the primary cause of the loss in fertilitybrought on by air pollution.

DNA Damage In Sperm

Elevated levels of poisons, dust, and other dangerous pollutants that cause the body to experience excessive surges of free radicals are what define air pollution. According to the obstetrician, "toxins begin to target cells, including sperm cells, when they surpass the body's natural antioxidant defenses." Many men may be at risk for fertility issues before conception, even if semen analysis may not be immediately sensitive to DNA damage.

Which Enviromental Factors Affecting Male Fertility ?

• Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, such as traffic-related pollution, industrial effluents, construction-site pollution, cigarette smoke, and interior pollutants that might cause hormonal abnormalities, has a greater impact on male fertility.
• According to the gynecologist, "hormonal imbalancescaused by pollutants might lower or vary testosterone levels for sperm development."
• According to a study that was published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, environmental contaminants may be reducing sperm counts by 50%.

Infertility Rates In Couples

Although the biological effects of pollution frequently start years earlier, many couples only consider fertility when they decide to have children."What men inhale now can affect reproductive outcomes months later because sperm health reflects lifestyle and environmental exposure over the previous two to three months." Because of this, the debate about fertility needs to change. Traditionally, women's biological clock, stress, weight, and lifestyle variables are discussed when discussing infertility, according to the laparoscopic surgeon. However, given the increasing levels of pollution in the world and the growing body of scientific data, environmental health should be given similar weight when evaluating fertility.

How To enhance Your Sperm Health

Focus on leading a healthy lifestyle to enhance sperm health: eat foods high in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and walnuts; exercise moderately.

Nutrition and Diet

• Consume Whole Foods: Reduce processed meats, fried foods, and high-fat dairy; increase fruits, vegetables, and seafood, particularly leafy greens.
• Vitamins and Antioxidants: Consume foods high in antioxidants (Vitamins C, D, E, and CoQ10), such as walnuts, and after consulting a physician, think about taking supplements.
• Limit: Steer clear of trans fats and cut back on caffeine to less than 300 mg per day. 

Lifestyle Practices

• Exercise: Try to get in around 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
• Weight: To enhance sperm quality, maintain a healthy BMI.
• Stress: Reduce stress by getting enough sleep (7–8 hours) and unwinding.
• Sleep: To control hormones, make 7-8 hours of good sleep a priority.

Lifestyle Changes Also Affects Infertility

Pollution-related reproductive risks can be considerably decreased with awareness and subsequent proactive action. "Most small changes in people's everyday lifestyle choices, including staying away from busy areas, utilizing air purifiers indoors, making sure there is enough ventilation, and abstaining from smoking, can go a long way toward sustaining sperm quality.

" Antioxidant-rich foods, including berries, spinach, almonds, seeds, and vitamins C and E, can be a huge help.