Air and Noise Pollution Linked to Infertility in Men and Women, Researchers Found

A new study in Denmark found that dirty air and loud noise can make it hard for men and women to have babies.

Air pollution increased male infertility risk by 24%. This affected men aged 30 to 45.

Researchers said extended exposure to dirty air can lead to male infertility.

Air pollution is usually caused by tiny airborne particles. These measure 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.

Sources include wildfires and coal burning. Other sources also include construction sites, landfills, and pollen.

The study also said noise pollution of at least 10.2 decibels increased infertility in women by 14%. The effect was only seen in women over 35.

Noise pollution also slightly affected male fertility for those aged 37 to 45. This was not found in men aged 30 to 37.

The effects were consistent among people who lived in rural and urban areas. No changes were found across socioeconomic statuses.

The study can be found in The BMJ.

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Methodology

Scientists studied how exposure to traffic and dirty air affects a person's fertility.

They collected air pollution and noise pollution levels at the address of each participant.

The study analyzed men and women who were trying to conceive.

The participants had to have lived in Denmark over a 17-year period. The participants also had fewer than two children.

Those who had surgery to prevent pregnancy were not included.

Infertility

A couple is infertile if they don't get pregnant after trying for a year. This only involves sex without using birth control.

One in seven couples is infertile. Male infertility is seen in up to half of these couples.

Other factors affect fertility. High stress levels led to a lower possibility of pregnancy among women undergoing IVF. Stress was also linked to a lower chance of live birth. That was according to a study from Mass General Brigham.

Other things affecting fertility include lifestyle factors. Obesity is linked to lower sperm count in men. Excessive exercise also lowers fertility in women.

Substance abuse and heavy drinking lowers fertility in men and women.

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