Infertility rate has increased in Iran and experts believe that it is directly related to individual life styles and modern ways of living.
New studies have shown that environmental pollutants, plastics, and antiseptic cleansing substances used in everyday life trigger a disorder in human genetics in a way that decreases fertility, Dr. Robabeh Taheripanah, chairwoman of the 8th Annual Meeting of Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, told IRNA on the sidelines of the conference.
“The main issue is that the disorder is hereditary and passes to future generations resulting in fertility decline,” she added.
She also included electromagnetic waves (EMW) and electric transmission towers in matters affecting fertility in both men and women, stating that the large number of electromagnetic fields around an individual can amplify negative effects.
“Wireless devices and remote controllers also negatively impact reproductive health. Wi-Fi waves fall in the same category.”
Taheripanah appealed for raising public awareness on the issue. She suggested turning off Wi-Fi modems especially when not in use, as one of the solutions to reduce the effects of electromagnetic radiation.
Harmful plastics and disposable dishes that have replaced traditional glassware, often release toxic substances in food items and consequently into the body and the genetic system, she warned. All these affect fertility and reduce immunity of the body to various diseases.
Another major element affecting fertility is air pollution. Higher level of pollutants and lead in the air affects pregnancy and causes side effects such as low weight of the fetus and preterm (premature) birth. “Lead and other pollutants affect the sperm count and motility of the sperm and therefore the fertility of men,” she pointed out.
The decline in the fertility rate is a global issue leading to a gray world population.
Stressing the role of a healthy life style, physical exercise and sports, Taheripanah strongly recommended women to not postpone pregnancy to over the age 25. Although women can have healthy pregnancies until 30, however, the higher the age the greater the risks to fertility and childbirth, she emphasized.
