Association of Environmental Toxicants and Lifestyle in the Advancement of Infertility
摘要
Environmental toxicants and certain lifestyle factors have been reported to contribute to the decline in human fertility. It has been suggested that environmental toxicants mimic hormones, thus disrupting the endocrine system. Some known endocrine disruptors are pesticides, herbicides, industrial pollutants, heavy metals, and plastics having BPA (bisphenol A). On the other hand, lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diet, and stress; overweight are also contributing factors toward the advancement of infertility in the human population. Lifestyle factors and environmental toxicants contribute to DNA damage in sperms thus causing lower sperm count and reduced sperm motility in males. In females, environmental toxicants and lifestyle factors both pose a negative effect on reproductive capability, affect ovulation, and have been stated to cause miscarriages. Teratogenicity and congenital anomalies have also been associated with exposure to several environmental toxicants. However, the exposure from these components can be minimized by avoiding contaminated products and acquiring a healthy lifestyle along with medical advice. Environmental toxicants and routine environmental and dietary factors can considerably affect fertility and wakefulness. Appropriate measures can help alleviate these effects and improve homeostasis for longevity and positive health outcomes.