Delhi's toxic smog is taking a toll on people's sex drive

New Delhi: The dense layer of smog that has turned Delhi into a gas chamber since last week has given rise to an alarming situation with rise in cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases, as the government has closed down schools and construction work.

While people are already reeling under the cloud of pollution, experts suggest that it also comes as a blow to several aspects of their lives, which includes sex. They mentioned that the capital saw a 30% decline in sexual activity in the days following Diwali, since pollution is decreasing sex drive among men.

As Delhi faces the worst air quality in the past 17 years, fertility experts said that heavy metals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and mercury in the air directly affect hormones. They said it also brings down fertility as the cocktail of these metals is toxic for sperm.

Leading IVF experts suggested that pollution brings down testosterone and oestrogen levels in men, which in turn decreases the desire to have sex. For women, the air quality may hinder sex drive but increases chances of a miscarriage.

Doctors have suggested people to use multi-layer filter masks while venturing out in the city, as the government has advised people to stay indoors as much as possible and suggested working from home.