Are air and noise pollution causing a dip in fertility rates?

Since childhood, we have all been taught that air and noise pollution harms us. While some people may refuse to believe the seriousness of the negative impact, a recent study has found that air and noise pollution are now driving a dip in fertility rates. The conclusion drawn from this vast database study talks about how long-term exposure to PM 2.5 particles in our air and traffic noise can cause a significant risk of infertility for couples. In this article, we will examine why declining fertility rates cause concern for society, how pollution impacts your fertility levels, and how you can keep your fertility levels in check. Let’s dive right in.

Why declining fertility rates are alarming

The research, published in the British Medical Journal, explores how our exposure to PM 2.5 particles in the air has been significantly higher in the past five years, resulting in a 24% risk increase of contracting infertility issues amongst men between the ages of 30-45. Adding salt to the wound, the research also found that women experienced a noticeable increase in their risk of developing fertility problems due to long-term exposure to increased traffic noise. Constant exposure to these sounds (higher than 10.2 decibels) can negatively impact fertility levels in women – especially those above the age of 35.

However, before we proceed any further, it is essential to understand why declining fertility rates are critical for our society. You see, fertility rates influence the overall birth rate of a specific country. For a country where the older population stays longer, and fewer young people are there to replace them, issues such as excessive strain on the healthcare system, pension schemes, and housing market shifts may occur.

What’s also concerning is that the professional landscape may take a significant hit with fewer young people available. This is because fewer individuals will be available to fill job vacancies, resulting in potential scenarios like labor shortages and a higher dependence on immigrants to fulfill their needs. This can negatively impact a country’s growth and gross domestic product (GDP), which are key indicators of economic stability and prosperity. In addition to the above, changes in education, social service programs, consumer markets, and overall policy building and planning can directly impact various institutions and businesses, catering directly to these demographic populations.

For the average person, these issues seem far-fetched as the negative impact may not directly influence daily life. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the case, and declining fertility rates can also impact individuals and couples who are currently planning to start a family of their own. But how so?

Is your fertility affected?

For those trying to start a family of their own, initiating a dialogue about their fertility levels can help diagnose infertility issues at early stages when treatment is more straightforward. Many people fail to realize that not getting pregnant (especially when trying for over a year or more), could be a sign of an undiagnosed fertility problem. Fertility issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve, poor sperm motility, and many others – have been delaying the dreams of many couples.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months without success, this is when a fertility test comes into the picture. As the name suggests, fertility tests are simply a series of scans and tests that help to ascertain your reproductive abilities. The results allow your fertility doctor to uncover and understand any issues delaying conception. Understanding the reason behind infertility allows your fertility doctor to provide you with a bespoke fertility plan to give you the best possible chance of achieving your dream of starting a family.

To dive in-depth, tests such as aqua scans, the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, male semen analysis, and transvaginal ultrasound scans are just a few commonly recommended fertility tests by doctors. The suggested test will vary between individuals based on your conception journey so far, as every fertility journey is different. Let’s take a look at the role of some of these commonly recommended fertility tests:

• Saline hysterography (also known as an aqua scan) – This test checks for any blockages or barriers in the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. It involves injecting a sterile solution into the uterus, after which an ultrasound is done to examine for any potential issues.
• AMH test – As the name suggests, this test is used to check for AMH levels in the blood. The AMH hormone is produced by the follicles in the ovaries, and its level in the bloodstream directly indicates the number of eggs in the ovarian reserve. The higher the number, the better the potential for natural reproduction. However, this test should not be used alone, as it does not rule out physical abnormalities that may prevent conception.
• A transvaginal ultrasound scan is a simple and comprehensive scan of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. A transvaginal ultrasound scan helps to accurately assess the overall health of the reproductive organs of a woman.
• Semen analysis – A male semen analysis often comprises tests that assess a semen sample for the male partner’s sperm motility, count, quality, and morphology – all of which are crucial to understanding how the male sperm performs once it enters the uterus. Poor sperm performance is responsible for around a third of all infertility cases.

In addition to the above tests, there may be multiple additional ones that your fertility doctor may recommend, depending on your circumstances and medical history. Ultimately, if you have any concerns about your fertility, consulting a fertility clinic is a good first step to take. Many specialized fertility clinics in London can help you and your partner achieve your goal of getting pregnant.

Keep your fertility in check

With external environmental factors playing a role in determining our fertility, it is also essential to understand its impact on our reproductive abilities. As discussed above, research helps us initiate a dialogue around fertility levels and a broader discussion about the effects of a declining fertility rate in wider society. Are you concerned about how toxins and chemicals may have impacted your fertility? Whether it is via a fertility test for women or men, couples need to understand their reproductive potential fully to make informed choices about family planning.