Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

While thalassemia is known widely as a blood disorder, its impact can extend far beyond anemia and transfusions, said experts on World Thalassemia Day today.

World Thalassemia Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about the inherited blood disorder caused by faulty genes.

The disorder, which often requires blood transfusions every fortnight, affects approximately 1.3 million people living with severe forms of thalassemia worldwide. About 1.5 percent of the global population is carriers, and the disease claims nearly 11,000 lives annually.

Speaking to HealthandMe, health experts raised concerns about the growing mental health and neurological challenges faced by patients, especially children and young adults living with the condition.

Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman – Marengo Asia International Institute of Neuro & Spine (MAIINS), Gurugram, shared that repeated blood transfusions are important and save the lives of thalassemia patients, but long-term transfusion therapy can potentially lead to neurological complications if not properly monitored.

“Chronic transfusions can cause iron overload, which is the accumulation of iron in critical organs such as the brain, and may impact cognitive and psychological function, as well as mood,” Dr. Gupta explained.

He added that "changes in oxygen supply and related complications may make patients more vulnerable to headaches, lethargy, or even undetected brain injury".

However, experts stress that most neurological complications can be prevented through multidisciplinary care, iron chelation therapy, and regular monitoring.

Can Thalassemia Affect Brain Development in Children?

The expert stated that thalassemia may also indirectly affect brain development in children, particularly when severe anemia continues for long periods and limits oxygen supply to the growing brain.

Dr. Gupta noted that poor oxygenation, nutritional deficiencies, iron overload from repeated transfusions, and metabolic complications may affect:

• Cognitive function
• Learning ability
• Attention span
• Overall neurodevelopment
• Early warning signs may include:
• Delayed speech
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor school performance
• Frequent headaches
• Irritability
• Developmental delays

Also read: World Thalassemia Day 2026: Why Screening Before Marriage Or Pregnancy Is Important

Early Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Dr. Vipin Khandelwal, Sr. Consultant Paediatric Haemato Oncology & BMT at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai, told HealthandMe that thalassemia affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, and prolonged disruption can impact growth, immunity, bone health, and learning abilities.

“The early signs of thalassemia are often subtle, which is why many families miss them until anemia becomes severe,” he said.

Parents should watch for persistent symptoms such as:

• Unusual tiredness
• Pale appearance
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty gaining weight
• Delayed growth
• Delayed walking or speech
• Reduced stamina
• Bone pain
• Recurrent weakness

He stressed that while thalassemia is inherited, many serious complications can be prevented with early diagnosis, regular check-ups, timely transfusions, and proper iron monitoring.

Why Depression and Anxiety Are Common Among Thalassemics?

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Further, the experts also highlighted risk of anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and depression among people with thalassemia who face lifelong blood transfusions, frequent hospital visits, leading to physical fatigue, and fear of complications. Over time, these challenges may increase, many often go unnoticed or untreated.

Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Aakash Healthcare, told HealthandMe that thalassemia is not only a physical health condition, but also an emotional and psychological challenge. He stressed the need to provide mental support to thalassemic patients.

“Frequent hospital visits, lifelong blood transfusions, fear of complications, and social limitations can increase the risk of anxiety, stress, and depression, especially among teenagers and young adults,” said Dr. Roshan Dikshit, Senior Consultant, Haematology & Bone Marrow Transplant at Aakash Healthcare.

According to Dr. Dikshit, many patients struggle with:

• Low self-esteem
• Isolation
• Emotional fatigue.

Importantly, these emotional challenges often go unnoticed.

“Mental health support should be considered an essential part of thalassemia care. Counseling, family support, social acceptance, and open communication can significantly improve a patient’s emotional well-being and quality of life,” he said.

He also emphasized that early psychological intervention can help patients cope better with the disease and reduce the long-term mental health burden associated with chronic illness.

For most children, a swimming pool is all about fun: summer afternoons, splashing around, and playing with friends. It feels harmless, even healthy, and in many ways, it is. But over time, a small pattern has started to show up. Parents notice it after a swimming session: red eyes, constant rubbing, and sometimes complaints of burning or discomfort that were not there before. It does not always seem serious in the beginning, which is probably why it gets ignored. Still, it keeps happening often enough to be worth paying attention to.

In an interview with Health and Me, Dr Neeraj Sanduja, Director, Viaan Eye & Retina Centre, Gurugram, explained how swimming pool time could be giving your children eye infections.

What’s Really Causing the Problem

It is easy to assume the water is the issue, but that is only part of it. Most pools are treated with chlorine, which is necessary to keep them clean. The problem starts when chlorine mixes with other things that end up in the water: sweat, dirt, and even small amounts of urine. That mix creates compounds that can irritate the eyes.

Children are more likely to be affected because they spend more time in the water and often open their eyes while swimming. The natural layer that protects the eyes gets disturbed, and that is when the redness or burning starts. In some cases, it is not just irritation. If the pool is not maintained properly, there is also a risk of infections. Conjunctivitis, for example, can spread quite easily in shared water.

What Parents Usually Notice First

The signs are not always dramatic. In fact, they are easy to miss at first. A child may come back with slightly red eyes and say they sting a bit or keep rubbing them without thinking much of it. Sometimes there is watering that does not settle quickly.

If it is just mild irritation, it usually improves within a few hours. But if the redness stays, or there is itching, swelling, or discharge, it is likely to be something more than just chlorine exposure. That is usually the point at which it needs attention.

Small Things That Actually Help

The good part is that this is mostly preventable. Swimming goggles make a difference. Not everyone likes wearing them, especially younger children, but they do help keep the eyes protected. A proper fit matters; otherwise, water still gets in.

Rinsing the face and eyes with clean water after getting out of the pool is another simple step. It helps wash away whatever is left behind. Also, children tend to rub their eyes when they feel discomfort. That only makes things worse. It is a small habit, but one that needs to be corrected gently. And then there is the pool itself. A clean-looking pool is not always a safe one. Maintenance matters more than appearance.

When It Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Most of the time, these issues settle quickly, but not always. If the same problem keeps coming back after every swim, or if the symptoms last beyond a day, it is better to get it checked. Waiting it out does not always help. Children may not always explain clearly what they are feeling. So, small changes, like avoiding light or blinking more than usual, can be signs that something is not right.

Finding the Right Balance

Swimming is still one of the best activities for children. It keeps them active, helps them relax, and is something they genuinely enjoy. The idea is not to stop it, just to be a little more careful. A few small steps can go a long way in preventing discomfort later. And once that becomes part of the routine, the experience stays what it is meant to be: fun, safe, and worry-free.

Every year, millions of people around the world receive a cancer diagnosis—and nearly as many receive a flood of well-meaning but dangerously incorrect advice. From social media posts to family folklore, myths about cancer are pervasive, and they can delay treatment, fuel panic, or give false comfort when vigilance is needed. this crisis of misinformation at the clinical frontline. “Patients sometimes arrive having avoided medical care for months because they believed a natural remedy would suffice.

The World Health Organization estimates that between 30 and 50 percent of all cancers are preventable. Tobacco use, poor diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and certain infections together account for a large proportion of global cases. Awareness and early action are the most powerful tools available. Cancer is not one disease but over 100 distinct conditions, each with its own biology, risk factors, and treatment pathways. This complexity is part of why myths take hold so easily.

What is cancerism?

Dr Amish Vora, MBBS, MD, DNB, DM- AIIMS Delhi, Medical Oncologist, Director of H.O.P.E. Oncology Clinic, New Delhi, defines "cancerism" as encompassing three deeply interrelated phenomena:

Fear and Stigma: The pervasive fear and social stigma attached to a cancer diagnosis, which can cause patients to conceal their illness, avoid seeking help, and suffer in silence. Dr Vora argues this fear is often as damaging as the disease itself.

Misconceptions and Myths: The widespread false beliefs about cancer—its causes, treatment, and curability—that circulate through communities, social media, and word of mouth, leading patients to delay or abandon proven medical care.

Discrimination: The direct discrimination faced by cancer patients in workplaces, families, and communities—from job loss to social isolation—which compounds their suffering and undermines recovery.

“Cancerism is as real and as harmful as the cancer itself,” says Dr Vora. “Addressing it requires the same urgency we apply to developing new treatments. We cannot cure cancer in a society that is still afraid to say the word.”

Common Myths and Facts About Cancer

Drawing on his clinical experience and the framework of Cancerism, Dr Vora identifies the following as the most dangerous and persistent misconceptions he encounters:

Cancer is always fatal.

Many cancers are treatable. When caught early, 5-year survival rates exceed 90% for several types, including breast, skin, and prostate cancer.

Sugar directly feeds and grows cancer cells.

All cells use glucose for energy, not just cancer cells. Cutting out sugar will not starve a tumour. The science does not support this claim.

Cancer is purely genetic—if it runs in your family, you’ll get it.

Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary. Lifestyle and environmental factors account for the vast majority of cases.

Biopsies and surgery cause cancer to spread.

There is no credible scientific evidence that biopsies cause cancer to spread. Avoiding or delaying diagnosis is far more dangerous.

A positive attitude alone can cure cancer.

Mental well-being and emotional support are important for quality of life, but they cannot replace evidence-based medical treatments.

Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer.

Major studies including those by the National Cancer Institute have found no link between antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk.

Cancer is not contagious—you can catch it from someone.

Cancer cannot be transmitted person to person. It is not an infectious disease. You cannot catch it through proximity or contact.

Mobile phones cause brain cancer.

Decades of research have found no conclusive evidence that mobile phone use causes brain tumours. Major health bodies concur on this.

Superfoods can prevent or cure cancer.

No single food has proven cancer-preventing or curative properties. A balanced overall diet reduces risk, but there are no miracle foods.

If you feel fine, you don’t have cancer.

Many cancers are asymptomatic in their early stages. Regular screening is the only reliable way to detect them before symptoms appear.