Low AQI and Infertility: Are they even related?

IVF experts of the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World share an article on the connection between low AQI and infertility.

Infertility has become a growing concern globally. There are several factors contributing to this concern. Infertility is a medical condition that stands in the way of many couples trying to fulfil parenthood dreams. Besides health conditions, environmental factors also have an impact on fertility. IVF experts of Gunjan IVF World – a renowned IVF centre in Delhi share a short blog on the relation between air pollution or low AQI and fertility. Read to know how.

AQI and infertility: How are they connected?

Good air quality is very important for overall health. Poor air quality has a negative impact on the health. Studies reveal that low or poor air quality has an impact on fertility too.

“Patients often ask me if air quality and fertility are related. My answer to them is, yes, it does. Air pollution can make it difficult for couples to conceive naturally or give birth to healthy babies. A WHO study states that 1 out of 6 couples globally find it difficult to conceive. Studies also reveal that women who stay in high pollution prone areas have lesser chances of successful pregnancies. Further, exposure to PM2.5 can lead to reduced ovarian reserve and low pregnancy rates,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, well-known gynaecologist Ghaziabad and Medical Director & Founder of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad. Gunjan IVF World is the winner of North India’s best IVF clinic chain by ETHealthWorld two times in a row and has four highly advanced IVF centers in Ghaziabad, Janakpuri, Meerut and Noida.

Air pollutants play a big role in affecting fertility. Some of the most common air pollutants that are found in the environment include PM10, PM2.5, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Ozone (O3), Carbon Monoxide (CO), etc.

“Air pollution or poor air quality is now being linked to birth defects in infants and difficult pregnancies. Over exposure to these pollutants result in reproductive hormone imbalances thereby causing infertility,” mentioned Dr. Shubhda Gupta, gynecologist Noida and Consultant at the most talked about IVF center in Noida – Gunjan IVF World.

How does it affect fertility in men?

“A lot of research has been done in this field. Studies show that exposure to air pollutants led to decrease in sperm quality. Exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 leads to reduction in sperm motility and morphology,” said Dr. Garima Sharma, Center In-Charge and Consultant of Gunjan IVF World, a leading IVF clinic in Janakpuri. Data also shows that exposure to Ozone (O3) reduces sperm count while other pollutants like Sulfur Dioxide (SO20, Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO) affect male testosterone levels. This causes DNA fragmentation and sperm anomaly, thereby leading to male infertility,” added Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.

How does it affect fertility in women?

“Low or poor air quality and air pollution causes hormonal problems in women. High exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 affects the AMH levels in women. It also affects the AFC (Antral Follicle Count) which impacts the ovarian reserve and fertility. This leads to increased miscarriage rates and risk of stillbirth,” says Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant of a famous IVF clinic in Indirapuram – Gunjan IVF World.

“So, if you are planning to start a family naturally or considering IVF, make the shift to healthier lifestyle, invest in air purifiers, limit outdoor activities, etc.,” concluded Dr. Gunjan Gupta.

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