Delhi’s air quality dropped sharply on Monday, slipping into the ‘very poor’ category once again. The Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 316, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (EWS). Private air tracker AQI.in showed a slightly lower number at 242, but that doesn’t make the air safe. The platform said that breathing Delhi’s air right now is like smoking around eight cigarettes a day.
While most people worry about coughing, breathing problems, and burning eyes, doctors say the effects of air pollution go beyond the lungs. Experts warn that poor air quality could also be reducing male fertility, something that often goes unnoticed but is just as serious.
How bad air affects sperm health
Dr. Parteek Maheshwari, Consultant Urologist at Kailash Hospital, Noida, says breathing polluted air can directly affect men’s reproductive health.
“The testicles are very sensitive to environmental changes,” explains Dr. Maheshwari. “Pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, sulphur dioxide, ozone, and heavy metals such as lead and cadmium cause stress inside the testes. This damages sperm DNA, reduces sperm movement, and upsets hormone balance.”
He adds that sperm production, a process called spermatogenesis, needs a stable environment. The testes must stay slightly cooler than body temperature and maintain proper oxygen and hormone levels. But when the air gets toxic, this balance is disturbed.
“Pollution particles enter the blood and form free radicals that damage the cells making sperm,” says Dr. Maheshwari. “Over time, this can lead to low sperm count, abnormal sperm shapes, and weaker motility.”
Why men are affected more than women
As per Dr. Maheshwari, pollution impacts men’s fertility faster than women’s, and there’s a biological reason behind it.
“Men produce sperm continuously throughout their lives,” Dr. Maheshwari explains. “So if there’s an environmental disturbance, like bad air, the effects show up quickly in sperm tests. Women, on the other hand, are born with a fixed number of eggs, and damage to their fertility takes longer to show.”
He adds that men’s reproductive organs are more directly exposed to temperature changes and toxins. “The male reproductive system is like a sensitive indicator,” he says. “It shows early warning signs when the environment becomes harmful.”
India’s high pollution levels make the problem even more serious. Most Indian cities have PM2.5 levels well above safe limits, putting millions at risk.
A study from Tamil Nadu in 2023 found that long-term exposure to air pollution and heavy metals was linked to reduced sperm motility and abnormal morphology, both signs of infertility.
“In cities like Delhi, we are seeing younger men with declining sperm quality,” says Dr. Maheshwari. “Even those who don’t smoke or drink but live in high-pollution areas are showing weaker sperm parameters. It’s a concerning trend.”
Why this is more than just a fertility problem
Doctors say falling sperm quality is not only about fertility but also a sign of overall poor health.
“Sperm health reflects what’s going on in the rest of the body,” Dr. Maheshwari explains. “The same oxidative stress that damages sperm can also affect the heart, blood vessels, and hormone levels. So, pollution is not just harming fertility, it’s harming general health.”
Globally, about 40–50 per cent of infertility cases involve male factors, and environmental pollution is now seen as one of the main causes.
What men can do to protect themselves
While it’s impossible to completely avoid pollution in a city like Delhi, there are ways to reduce its impact. Dr. Maheshwari suggests a few simple yet effective steps. Avoid outdoor exercise when the AQI is very poor and always wear N95 masks to reduce inhalation of fine dust particles.
Use air purifiers at home, especially in bedrooms where you spend most of your time. Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, and leafy vegetables in your diet to fight oxidative stress.
Quit smoking and avoid saunas or hot tubs, as they can raise testicular temperature. If you’re planning to start a family, it’s wise to get a semen analysis done early. “Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference,” says Dr. Maheshwari. “If you live in a polluted city, take preventive measures rather than waiting for fertility problems to appear.”
Why this should be a public health priority
Experts believe that declining male fertility could be a warning sign for society. “The male reproductive system is like a canary in a coal mine,” says Dr. Maheshwari. “It’s one of the first to show damage from environmental toxins. If sperm health is falling, it’s a sign that our air and overall environment are becoming dangerous.”
He adds that public health policy should focus not only on reducing pollution for respiratory health but also for reproductive health. “Cleaner air means healthier families,” he says.
As Delhi’s air continues to worsen each winter, experts warn that the effects go far beyond coughing or watery eyes. The damage may be happening silently in men’s reproductive organs.
“People don’t usually connect pollution with infertility,” says Dr. Maheshwari. “But in reality, the two are closely linked. Protecting yourself from bad air isn’t just about breathing easier, it’s about safeguarding your future family too.”