Environmental pollution affects your health in multiple ways, causing respiratory ailments, cardiovascular complications, cancer, gastrointestinal issues, neurological disorders, and susceptibility to chronic diseases. Pollution is not solely an environmental concern; it constitutes a severe threat to human health, including fertility and healthy reproduction. Certain pollutants, recognized as endocrine disruptors, interfere with the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and infertility. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates contribute to reduced sperm quality, irregular menstrual cycles, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
The effects of pollution on fertility are alarming, but people can take proactive measures to minimize these impacts.
For instance, adopting a healthy way of living can be conducive to fertility improvement. Eating balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep can be good for overall well-being and may reduce some effects of pollution. Moreover, people should minimize exposure to environmental toxicants through air purification at homes, refraining from smoking and second-hand smoke, and taking organic or locally sourced foods to reduce pesticide intake.
It is important to be informed about the local pollution levels. On high pollution days, being careful and limiting outdoor activities, especially in areas with bad air quality can greatly reduce risks.
Another way forward is to venture into detoxification practices that may facilitate the elimination of toxins from the body. This could involve taking saunas, specific diets, and hydrating the body to support the body's cleansing systems.
Couples who are facing fertility challenges, must seek help from health professionals. Fertile living environment should be created. Eco-friendly household products, minimizing plastics and having good indoor ventilation to reduce indoor air pollution.
Managing stress is also important because high level of stress amplifies the effect of pollution on reproductive health. Some stress reducing practices like meditation, mindfulness and yoga, can help to promote an individual's emotional wellbeing.
However, individual approaches cannot deal with the overall problem of pollution; hence, it calls for collective efforts. Individuals planning a family or expectant mothers should minimize exposure to pollution. Collective efforts are imperative to ensure the next generation has a chance to create healthy families and communities.
(Dr Kshitiz Murdia is an IVF specialist, CEO & Co-Founder, Indira IVF)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced in the assembly on Wednesday that the Delhi government will introduce a new policy for issuing Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates to vehicles from other states, in a bid to tackle air pollution.
Children exposed to higher levels of air pollution in early and mid-childhood may have weaker connections between key brain regions that can highly impact their thinking and controlling capacity, according to a study.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa has accused Arvind Kejriwal's AAP - in power before the BJP won the February election - of allowing more than 1.08 lakh vehicles to run on city roads despite each emitting high levels of carbon monoxide.
An integrated command and control centre has been proposed in the 2025-26 Delhi budget, presented by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday, for real-time monitoring of air quality, water pollution, noise levels, and waste management.
As part of broader strategy to tackle the expected winter pollution peak, the Delhi government will install six new air quality monitoring stations across the national capital over the next three months, Environment Minister said.
................................ Advertisement ................................
Opinion | Why Indians Have Just Given Up On Air Pollution CrisisTanushree Ganguly
Friday December 20, 2024While some may argue that people in Delhi are now more aware of air pollution than they were a decade back, my rebuttal would be that awareness does not mean that people are concerned.
Opinion | You Must Outrage Over Filthy Air More Than Once A YearJyoti Pande Lavakare
Tuesday December 10, 2024Delhi welcomed us with monsoon rains and mangos. We were home. Fast forward a couple of years, in the winter of 2012, I found myself in denial about something other parents, mostly expats, were calling toxic air.
Opinion | Delhi's Air Pollution Situation Is Like A Bad MarriageNishtha Gautam
Friday November 22, 2024On a good day, such as today, the AQI reading in Delhi is 407. We are jubilant at the sickly sunshine trickling through the slightly dissipated smog. At least its not 1600.
दिवाली... पराली... सियासी जुगाली!Ashwini kumar
Monday November 18, 2024दिल्ली-एनसीआर में प्रदूषण का समाधान तो आज तक मिला नहीं. हर साल चिंतित होकर हम-आप सांसों की तकलीफ के साथ-साथ दिल और ब्लड प्रेशर के मरीज भी क्यों बनें?
घर में कैद बुजुर्ग और हांफते लोग, दिल्ली की सांसों में घुला ये कैसा रोग?Nidhi Kulpati
Friday November 08, 2024हमारी हवा जहरीली हो रही है. गुरुवार की शाम को जब मैं इस मुद्दे पर लिखने बैठी तो AQI लगातार 400 पार जाकर दम घोंट रहा था. बहुत लोगों को यह मामला बोरिंग लगे, लेकिन जब आप अपने साथ काम करने वालों को खांसते-हांफते देखते-सुनते हैं, तो चिंता होने लगती है. सुबह उठते ही दरवाजे खिड़कियां खोलने के लिए डॉक्टर मना कर रहे हैं. बड़े बुजुर्गों के लिए तो मॉर्निंग वॉक बाहर की दुनिया से सीधे संपर्क का ज़रिया है, लेकिन डॉक्टर इसकी भी मनाही कर रहे हैं.