Fertility Woes: The Hidden Cost of Rising Air Pollution
As air pollution levels soar globally, women face a double burden: fighting for clean air and dealing with its detrimental effects on reproductive health. This hidden cost of rising pollution is especially alarming for women in countries like Pakistan, where cities like Lahore, one of the world’s most polluted cities, are grappling with hazardous air quality year after year.
Air Pollution and Infertility
Studies have revealed that poor air quality can have a profound impact on female fertility. Research indicates that exposure to pollutants like PM2.5 can reduce ovarian reserves and affect pregnancy rates. According to fertility expert Dr. Zeryab Setna, pollutants cause cellular inflammation, disrupting hormones and impairing reproductive systems. Though direct links between pollution and infertility remain uncertain, the growing body of evidence suggests that air pollution could be a significant factor.
The Broader Impact on Reproductive Health
It’s not just women who suffer. Men are also affected, with studies showing that air pollution diminishes sperm count and motility, and even damages DNA. Dr. Nudrat Sohail, a Lahore-based gynecologist, notes that air pollutants can mimic hormones, interfering with normal hormone function and exacerbating inflammation, further contributing to infertility. While the direct role of pollution in fertility is still being studied, experts agree that the link between air quality and reproductive health is undeniable.
The Urgent Need for Action
As pollution continues to threaten women’s health, experts like Farhana Tabassum of the Institute for Global Health and Development emphasize the need for research to understand the impact of climate change on women’s reproductive health. With the escalating infertility crisis, especially in vulnerable countries like Pakistan, immediate action is needed to address air pollution and protect women’s fertility health.
The link between air pollution and infertility is a pressing global issue. As research continues, it’s clear that clean air is essential for healthy reproduction, and urgent steps are required to safeguard future generations.
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