IVI Middle East reacts to ESHRE Research Paper on linking air pollution to female infertility

Study investigates anti-Mullerian hormone levels of over 1,300 women residing in Modena, Italy     

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 29th August 2019: The newest research studying the impact of air pollution on female fertility reaffirms the alarming role of environmental factors in the rising number of infertility cases amongst women worldwide, according to an expert from IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic. 

Dr. Laura Melado - Specialist – Obstetrics & Gynecology, IVI Fertility Middle East, explained that the findings of the latest study, which measured the levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) of 1,318 women in Modena, Italy, have put the spotlight on the detrimental effects of everyday exposure of air pollution on women, in relation to their capacity to conceive.   

“AMH is a substance which developing egg sacs (ovarian follicles) secrete. Generally speaking, low AMH levels indicate low ovarian reserve. The AMH levels are normally directly affected as a woman ages. As such, the levels decline as women grow older. A woman who is approaching menopause usually has very low AMH levels. On the other hand, low AMH levels in younger women are a sign of premature loss of fertility,” Dr. Melado explained. 

Dr. Melado also added, “The findings of the new study present us with another serious element, apart from the age factor and other conditions, which could lead to reduced ovarian reserve. Prolonged exposure to increased concentrations of air pollutants can significantly decrease a woman’s chance to get pregnant naturally. The latest results are encouraging us to further find comprehensive and long-lasting solutions to the issue facing us today. This calls for collaborations of different concerned agencies and institutions, as some environmental factors become a growing threat to a female’s ability to conceive naturally.”   

The study, which has not been peer-reviewed, was reportedly presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology annual meeting in Vienna, Austria. As per their investigation, the researchers said that residing in places with serious air pollution levels could decrease ovarian reserve “by a factor of two or three.” 

IVF is among the top-notch assisted reproduction treatments which can provide a solution to infertility problems due to such issues. IVI Fertility, the world leader in assisted reproduction offer customized solutions to infertility problems. IVI Fertility Middle East, which runs state-of-the art clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Muscat, has one of the best success rates per patient.