Air Pollution Affects IVF Births Adversely

In-vitro fertilization (IVF) conception has been found to be greatly affected by such factor as air pollution, as reported in a recent study published in Human Reproduction.

Women trying to conceive through IVF who were exposed to polluted air run a large scale of dangers ranging from a more difficult preterm labor through a possible failure of having a successful birth to a lower weight of the newborn baby and lower IQ performance.

Exposure to different pollutants found in the air can end up in generating inner inflammation; oxygen-free radicals begin to appear in great quantities that damage cells and can even lead to formation of blood clots, which have been long found as pregnancy threats that should be taken very seriously.

The study reveals that vehicle exhaust pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO2), if exceeding the average level, brings down the chances of a successful IVF birth.

The same result is observed after exposure to ozone after the IVF procedure, although a high ozone level registered during the period of ovulation, to the contrary, promises a better chance of conception.

Having thus added another health concern to the many linked with air pollution, scientists are sure that NO2 makes an important risk factor for expectant parents relying on IVF, yet pointing out that overall influence of various air pollutants is ambiguous and would require extensive investigation.

Source of the image: sxc.hu/profile/Rybson.