Infertility is a condition characterized by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. 16-17.5% of couples are suffering from infertility worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors may play a role in infertility. Environmental risk factors include exposure to heat stress, infections, and pollutants. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) like bisphenol A, phthalates, pesticides, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls can mimic hormones and disrupt fertility. Air pollution, heavy metals, and microplastics could be hidden factors for infertility.
Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, and both obesity and underweight can negatively affect fertility. Poor socioeconomic status could affect fertility due to chronic exposure to stress and limited access to healthcare. These factors can have trans-generational effects, potentially leading to developmental issues and decreased reproductive fitness in offspring, highlighting the critical need for public health interventions to promote clean environments and healthy living habits.
In Egypt, around 12% of couples are affected by infertility, and the infertility rates have been increasing in the last few years. Research on infertility in Egypt is limited, but some studies have explored factors like heat stress, sexually transmitted diseases, vitamin D deficiency, EDC exposure, and psychological stress that could affect fertility. More research is needed to understand the specific environmental and lifestyle factors impacting Egyptians.
So,infertility is a complex issue with both genetic and environmental influences. By understanding the specific risk factors in a region like Egypt, we can develop targeted strategies to improve infertility management and reproductive health.