Sat Mar 08 20:09:26 UTC 2025: ## Climate Change Exacerbates Women’s Reproductive Health in West Bengal

**Kolkata, March 9, 2025** – A concerning rise in reproductive health issues among women in West Bengal is being directly linked to the escalating impacts of climate change, according to leading gynaecologists. Doctors report a surge in problems such as irregular menstrual cycles, decreased fertility, and pregnancy complications, particularly impacting women in rural and low-income areas, including the vulnerable Sunderbans region.

Environmental stressors are cited as the primary culprits. These include malnutrition, prolonged heat exposure, poor air quality, and limited access to clean water. Recurring natural disasters, such as cyclones common in the Sunderbans, further exacerbate the situation by causing socioeconomic distress and significant mental health impacts.

Dr. Runu Bhattacharjee, a senior gynaecologist with over five decades of experience, emphasizes the detrimental long-term effects of chronic stress on the female reproductive system, particularly the ovaries. This stress, coupled with diet changes forced by scarcity, leads to hormonal imbalances and issues like irregular ovulation and fertility problems.

Dr. Rajni Bagai, a senior consultant at Narayana Hospital, highlights the severe risks posed by air pollution. Studies have shown a correlation between poor air quality and reduced success rates in IVF treatments. Specific pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and PM2.5 are linked to preterm birth, miscarriage, and pre-eclampsia. Alarmingly, particulate matter has been found in placentas.

Dr. Mrinal Kanti Roy from the Sunderban Sramajibi Hospital adds that a lack of awareness regarding reproductive healthcare and the high number of pregnancies (around eight per woman) among the already deprived population further complicates the situation.

The convergence of climate change, socioeconomic factors, and limited healthcare access is creating a critical reproductive health crisis in West Bengal, demanding urgent attention and comprehensive interventions.

Read More