Fertility on fragile ground

Dr Ritu

Polluted air in the northern states has become a serious matter of concern with harmful effects not only on lungs, eyes and heart but also on libido in men. The worsening air quality can adversely affect the sex drive.

While serious respiratory problems like sinusitis, congestion, difficulty in breathing and asthma worsen due to smog, many couples trying to start a family, see a drop in libido too.

Affecting male fertility

With the rise in pollution levels, male infertility is emerging as a major reason for a couple’s failure to conceive. One out of every three men is suffering from infertility problem. The male population in NCR with fertility problems is greater than that of females by 15 per cent. The problem lies in inhaling the toxic air that leads to degeneration of sperm quality and a considerable reduction in sperm count. With such a low count, motility and concentration, the sperm is unable to reach inside the fallopian tube leading to failure in conceiving despite countless attempts. Loss of interest in sex is one of the first symptoms indicating the emergence of male infertility.

The mechanism involved in the depletion and degeneration of sperm cells is known as endocrine disruptor activity (hormonal imbalance). The air we inhale consists of particulate matter (which is 30 times finer than the human hair) that is made up of copper, zinc, lead, etc. These are estrogenic and anti-androgenic and can hamper the production of testosterone and sperm cells if inhaled for long duration.

Sperm cells have a life cycle of 72 days and the adverse effects of pollution on sperms might be visible only after 90 days of exposure. With every 10 µg (microgram) rise in sulphur dioxide, there is a drop in sperm concentration by eight per cent; sperm count comes down by 12 per cent and the motility is reduced by 14 per cent. By affecting the shape and motility of the sperm, male fertility is affected by triggering oxidative stress and DNA damage.

A reduction in the levels of testosterone causes lower desire for intercourse thus thwarting sex life. Diesel exhaust fumes and rising levels of ozone, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter in the air cause chemical reactions in the blood raising the concentration of free radicals which indirectly affect the sperm quality even in fertile men.

Over exposure to ambient levels of air pollution is associated with low-birth weight, growth retardation, premature deliveries, neo-natal fatalities which are an indirect consequence of poor sperm quality.

Tackling depleting sperm count

Though pollution cannot be avoided completely, certain changes in the lifestyle and dietary control can help maintain the optimal level of sperm count that is ideal for conception.

Following tips can help in maintaining the sperm quality, quantity, concentration and motility.

nIncrease intake of anti-oxidants. These are a family of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, known to help maintain healthy sperms. Increased intake of antioxidants is associated with improved sperm quality. These act like a defence mechanism by eliminating free radicals in the body and prolong cell life.

nHaving a diet rich in antioxidants, which includes tomatoes, sweet potatoes, melon, carrots, pumpkin seeds, fish, walnuts, blueberries and pomegranates, etc. is the key to having healthy sperm cells.

nLipoic acid is one of the most important antioxidants to be included in the supplement regime for men to have better quality and motility of sperm cells. Spinach and potatoes are a rich source.

nVitamin E and selenium prevent oxidative damage to the red blood cells and help in raising sperm mobility prior to IVF treatment.

nOne of the important minerals is zinc, which is the building block for sperm cells.

nL-Arginine and amino acid help in increasing the volume of semen and helps in improving the sperm count and motility as well. Dark chocolate is a rich source.

nDrink plenty of water as it helps remove toxins from the body. Also as semen has a high water content, consuming water will be beneficial for better sperm and semen quality.

—The writer is an IVF expert, Indira IVF Hospitals, Dehradun, Uttarakhand