Rising pollution tied to growing male infertility risk

1. Indira IVF study links high air pollution (AQI > 151) to an 11% decline in normal sperm DNA integrity.
2. Study analysed 3,222 men aged 21–40 across 120 centres, finding higher sperm DNA fragmentation in polluted regions.
3. As per World Health Organization guidelines, 69.3% sperm samples were normal in low-pollution areas, declining with rising AQI levels.
4. Experts warn pollution-related sperm DNA damage may affect fertility and potentially impact foetal development.

A new study by Indira IVF has found a strong link between rising air pollution and declining male reproductive health, warning that exposure to highly polluted environments could damage sperm DNA and potentially affect foetal development.

The research, titled “Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Pollution on Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis,” shows that men living in areas with high levels of air pollution—where the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 151—experience an 11% reduction in normal sperm integrity compared with men living in cleaner environments.

According to the study, worsening air quality is associated with a steady increase in abnormal sperm levels and a decline in healthy sperm counts. Researchers described this trend as “pollution bias,” suggesting that as atmospheric toxicity rises in industrialised cities, the risk of male infertility also increases.

The analysis was conducted in accordance with guidelines from the World Health Organization to ensure high diagnostic standards. Findings revealed that in regions with relatively clean air (AQI 50–100), 69.3% of sperm samples were normal, while 30.7% were classified as abnormal. However, as pollution levels increased, sperm health deteriorated. In moderately polluted areas (AQI 101–150), normal sperm levels dropped by 8.8%, while in highly polluted zones (AQI above 151) the decline reached 11%.

Commenting on the findings, Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, CEO and Whole-Time Director of Indira IVF Hospital Limited, said the implications go beyond difficulties in conception. “Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins can affect sperm DNA integrity, which may also influence foetal development. This places air pollution within a broader reproductive and developmental health context,” he said.

The study classified patients based on sperm DNA fragmentation scores, where less than 25% fragmentation was considered normal and above 25% abnormal. This approach helped researchers examine how varying pollution levels impact sperm chromosome integrity.

Dr. Vipin Chandra, Chief of Clinical and Lab Operations at Indira IVF, said the research analysed 3,222 men aged 21 to 40 across 120 centres nationwide. Unlike many earlier studies that focused on sperm count or motility, the team examined sperm DNA integrity, allowing a more precise assessment of pollution’s impact on male fertility.

The findings highlight air pollution as a significant environmental factor affecting reproductive health. Researchers noted that the rising burden of male infertility in recent years appears to closely mirror prolonged exposure to poor air quality, particularly in heavily polluted urban centres. Experts say the study underscores the need for stronger environmental policies and greater awareness of the hidden health impacts of air pollution on future generations.