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Environmental pollution and its impact on fertility

Exposure on environmental pollutants is an emerging cause of infertility and pregnancy complications

Industrial development has resulted in fundamental changes in our everyday lives, from the way we work, to the lifestyles we adopt as a society. Although we have come to enjoy much more with considerably much less effort, industrialisation has come with a price of exposing us to a wide range of environmental chemicals. From small particles polluting the atmosphere to toxic gases produced by heating and transport, to the heavy metals found in our electronic equipment, our bodies are constantly being challenged with maintaining good health.

Environmental pollution not only affects respiratory function, it can worsen heart disease and it can increase the risk of developing cancer. However, it is equally worrisome that research suggests fertility may be adversely affected too. Increasing evidence from studies over the last few years have provided an insight into the association between environmental pollution and reproductive side effects.

Most of the chemical pollutants found in industrialised areas share common pathways to cause harm in our organs and cells, this is by producing substances known as free radicals, which interfere with DNA and proteins. This, results in inflammation and long-term dysfunction. Moreover, many chemicals are known to interfere with endocrine functions, mimicking or opposing physiologic actions, collectively known as endocrine disruptors. Altogether, the end result is dysfunctional organs and the development of chronic conditions.

Studies have suggested that couples exposed to particulate matter take longer to conceive, whereas exposure to gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide  and nitrogen dioxide may promote miscarriages and stillbirths. 

Studying the harmful effects of environmental pollutants however, has become easier through IVF treatments. IVF serves as a research model where we can study the associations between exposure on certain chemicals found in our bodies and reproductive functions, such as ovarian response to hormonal treatment, number and quality of eggs, fertilization rate, as well as embryo implantation and live birth rates. Also, monitoring of IVF pregnancies can be carried out more effectively and provide us with important information.

It appears that air pollution and exposure on harmful chemicals, such as lead and cadmium, result in lower pregnancy rates with increasing rates of first trimester miscarriage and prematurity.

In this context, many studies have looked at IVF patients, by evaluating exposure on chemicals and environmental pollutants with regards to IVF treatment outcome. It appears that air pollution and exposure on harmful chemicals, such as lead and cadmium, result in lower pregnancy rates with increasing rates of first trimester miscarriage and prematurity. In particular, exposure to nitrogen dioxide and ozone were linked to a reduced chance of live birth, while particulate matter was associated to increased chance of miscarriage. 

Environmental pollution is emerging as an independent cause of infertility and pregnancy side effects. More research is needed to identify consequences on an individualised basis, while it is important to communicate current piece of evidence to reproductive-aged couples trying for a pregnancy, so that efforts are made to reduce exposure on toxic environmental chemicals.

©2021, Nicholas Christoforidis, Fertility Matters
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