Is Male Fertility Impacted Due To Air Pollution And Heat Exposure? Doctor Explains

In a world grappling with pollution, heatwaves, and climate change, one hidden casualty is emerging, male fertility. Global studies have consistently shown a decline in sperm count and quality over the past few decades, raising concerns about reproductive health in men. While lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, smoking, and stress are known contributors, experts now warn that the environment itself, especially air pollution and heat exposure, is playing a major role.

"Male fertility is not merely a private concern; it reflects the overall health of our planet," says Dr Niti Kautish, Director and HOD, Department of OBGY, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. "As the world continues to warm and urbanize, recognizing and addressing these hidden threats is essential for the survival of future generations."

From the polluted streets of Delhi NCR to the heat-scorched industrial zones across India, millions of men may already be facing fertility challenges they are unaware of. Here's what the science, and the experts, are saying.

Air Pollution: The Silent Sperm Killer

In India, air pollution has long been recognized as a public health crisis, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. But recent evidence shows it may also be impacting men's reproductive potential.

"Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic gases like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), has been linked to reduced sperm count and motility," explains Dr Kautish. "When inhaled, these microscopic pollutants enter the bloodstream and trigger oxidative stress, damaging sperm DNA and impairing hormone regulation."

A 2022 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to high levels of PM2.5 significantly reduced sperm motility, one of the key indicators of male fertility. Similarly, research conducted in China and Italy showed that men living in polluted urban areas had up to 15-25% lower sperm quality compared to those in rural regions with cleaner air.

Even short-term exposure can have measurable effects. Pollutants can cause DNA fragmentation in sperm, alter morphology (shape), and interfere with testosterone production. These changes, although microscopic, can have long-lasting consequences on fertility and overall reproductive outcomes.

Heat Exposure: The Temperature Trap

While pollution damages sperm at the cellular level, rising temperatures pose another major threat.

"The testes function best at temperatures slightly below normal body temperature, which is why they are located outside the body," says Dr Kautish. "However, global warming, heat-intensive jobs, and even tight clothing can raise scrotal temperature, leading to impaired sperm production."

Studies published in the Journal of Thermal Biology reveal that when testicular temperature increases by even 1 degree C, sperm production and motility can drop by 40%. Workers in factories, construction sites, and foundries, often exposed to prolonged heat, face particularly high risk.

Moreover, India's increasing frequency of heatwaves adds to the challenge. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a record number of hot days in 2024, with many cities seeing prolonged heat exposure above 45 degrees C. "Such extreme conditions are no longer rare," warns Dr Kautish. "Chronic heat exposure can damage sperm DNA and reduce fertility potential over time."

The Double Burden: Heat And Pollution Combined

"The combined effect of pollution and heat is particularly alarming," emphasizes Dr Kautish. "As cities grow hotter and air quality worsens, men face a double burden that threatens reproductive potential and, by extension, future population health."

This combination is especially relevant in India's rapidly urbanizing regions, where both air pollution and high ambient temperatures are prevalent. A 2023 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) found that men exposed to prolonged air pollution and heat stress had significantly higher levels of sperm DNA fragmentation and hormonal imbalance.

Additionally, climate-induced stressors, such as dehydration, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition, can compound these effects. Researchers call this the "environmental infertility loop," where worsening ecological conditions directly influence reproductive health outcomes.

How To Protect Male Fertility In A Changing Climate

While systemic solutions like stricter air quality control and sustainable urban design are crucial, individual preventive steps can also make a difference.

Dr Kautish recommends:

• Avoiding prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially during heatwaves
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing to maintain optimal scrotal temperature
• Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks in shaded or cooled areas if working outdoors
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, both of which amplify the oxidative stress caused by pollution
• Maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, which help combat free radical damage to sperm

Employers, too, have a role to play. "Workplaces that expose men to heat, like construction sites and factories, should provide cooling breaks, proper hydration, and protective clothing," adds Dr Kautish.

A Call For Broader Action

Ultimately, protecting male fertility goes beyond personal lifestyle changes. "Governments must strengthen air quality regulations and promote urban designs that reduce heat retention," says Dr Kautish.

Efforts such as green rooftops, better ventilation, and emission controls can help curb both heat and pollution exposure. Public awareness campaigns should also include discussions about male fertility, an often-ignored dimension of environmental health.

"As the world continues to warm and urbanize," Dr Kautish concludes, "recognizing and addressing these hidden threats may prove essential for the survival of future generations."

Male fertility, it turns out, may be the canary in the coal mine of modern life, an early warning that the environment we've created is pushing human health to its limits. Protecting men's reproductive health, therefore, is not just a medical issue, it's environmental issue too.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.