Pollution stonewalls men with fertility roadblock

Bengaluru: With infertility becoming a growing concern among couples, recent studies indicate that 40-50 per cent of infertility cases are linked to male factors, according to Dr Praveen Joshi, fertility specialist and andrologist.

Speaking at the Comprehensive Infertility Conclave, organised by Global Healthcare Academy, on Sunday, Dr Joshi highlighted the steady rise in infertility, particularly among younger men over the past decade.

"Factors such as low sperm count, poor motility, hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, and lifestyle habits — including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and prolonged exposure to heat and radiation — are contributing to the trend," he said.

He also pointed out that rising pollution levels in cities like Bengaluru have been linked to declining sperm health.

The conclave focused on the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive fertility care. Specialists emphasised the role of lifestyle modifications in improving reproductive health.

"Bengaluru, India’s IT hub, has a large workforce spending long hours in front of screens, which may be exacerbating fertility issues," said reproductive medicine specialist Dr Meghana Nyapati.

Citing data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-20), she noted that infertility affects 18.7 in every 1,000 married women aged 15-49, who have been married for at least five years.

"Some regions like Goa, Lakshadweep, and Chhattisgarh have even higher rates. In Karnataka, the District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS) found that 5.9 per cent of every married women face infertility issues, with slightly higher rates in rural areas (6.1 per cent) than in urban areas (5.5 per cent)," she explained.

Dr Meghana attributed higher infertility rates in rural areas to lack of awareness and the stigma surrounding infertility treatments.

Breaking the stigma

Dr Anjali Ajaikumar, Executive Director, Strategy, at HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, stressed the need for open conversations about reproductive health and making fertility screenings more accessible.

"As Bengaluru continues to grow as a bustling metropolis, prioritising reproductive health through awareness, early diagnosis, and accessible treatment will ensure better outcomes for future generations," she said.

Experts at the conclave reiterated that early intervention, lifestyle changes, and breaking social taboos around infertility are crucial to addressing the issue effectively.