Have you ever wondered if a fever due to an infection can affect your fertility? Well, this is a significant concern when you are trying to have a baby. Your sperm quality depends on your body temperature. Since sperm production happens in the testes, which will function best at a temperature slightly lower than the body's normal temperature, even a mild fever can temporarily affect sperm health. Let's explore how infection and male fertility are connected in this article.
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To know how fever impacts sperm, let's look at how sperm is produced. The testicles make sperm through a process called spermatogenesis, which takes about 64 to 72 days to complete. Any negative impact on sperm observed in the present may still appear in semen samples two to three months later.
The testicles are located outside the body in the scrotum because sperm development requires a temperature of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius lower than normal body temperature. If the temperature inside the scrotum increases, sperm production can slow down or stop temporarily. This is why high fevers, even for a short period, can impact sperm quality.
1. Scrotal temperature increases due to infection-induced fever, affecting overall body heat regulation, including the testicles. Since sperm cells are highly susceptible to heat, a slight temperature rise can disrupt their function. When scrotal temperature increases, it can reduce sperm count. It can also damage sperm DNA and affect sperm motility.
2. As per research, men who experience a high fever may see a significant drop in sperm count, which could last for several weeks or months. Sperm-making cells may become less active when exposed to heat, reducing sperm production.
3. Sperm motility is sperm movement, and morphology is the shape of sperm. A slight fever can affect both. When sperm do not move properly, they struggle to reach the egg for fertilisation. Also, sperm with abnormal shapes may be unable to fertilise an egg effectively.
4. A prolonged fever can cause oxidative stress, which may lead to sperm DNA damage. This can reduce sperm count and reduce fertility. It can also increase the risk of miscarriage or genetic abnormalities.
A fever is a basic symptom of an infection inside the body, and infections can affect male fertility. Here's how infections can affect sperm quality:
UTIs in men can trigger inflammation in the reproductive system, potentially disrupting sperm production and movement. Some UTIs can block the passage of sperm or create an immune response that damages sperm.
Certain STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea, can cause infection in the testicles or the epididymis, which can reduce sperm quality and count.
Serious infections like influenza (flu), pneumonia, or COVID-19 can cause fevers for several days. These infections will put a lot of stress on the immune system, which can affect hormone levels that control sperm production.
We understand that the impact of fever on sperm health can affect sperm health in certain cases.
The good news is that sperm production is a never-ending process. Even if a fever can temporarily lower sperm count and quality, the effects are usually reversible. After the fever subsides, sperm quality may gradually improve over a few weeks or months.
Usually, sperm quality and motility will get back to normal in two to three months after a fever. However, the exact recovery time depends on factors such as:
● The severity and longevity of the fever
● The type of infection
● Overall well-being and lifestyle habits
Is there any relation between fever and sperm quality? If you are worried about fever affecting sperm quality, here are some simple steps to protect and improve sperm quality:
Hydration:
Drinking plenty of water helps the body regulate normal temperature and recover faster from fever or infection-related issues.
Avoid Heat Exposure:
Since sperm health matters to men, maintaining a cool temperature is essential. Steer clear of saunas, hot showers and snug underwear after catching a fever to ensure faster recovery.
Healthy Diet:
Eating foods rich in antioxidants (like fruit salad, lots of dark leafy greens, nuts, and fish) helps reduce oxidative stress and improves sperm quality.
Take Supplements:
You should also take some vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C, E, zinc, and selenium. These are all super important for the health of the sperm.
Rest and Recovery:
Giving your body enough time to rest after an infection makes sure that sperm production can improve properly.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol:
Both smoking and drinking too much alcohol can affect sperm, and it takes a long time to bounce back from that.
Semen Analysis:
If you and your partner are trying to conceive and you had a fever recently, you may consider getting a semen analysis to check sperm quality and health.
If you have experienced a high fever and are worried about its effect on sperm motility, seeing a urologist or fertility specialist may be helpful. Seek medical advice if you notice:
● Consistent fertility issues after several months
● Testicles that feel tender or swollen or bother you might indicate an infection.
● A history of recurrent fevers or infections.
Fever and infection can temporarily impact male fertility by reducing sperm count, motility and quality. The good news is that for most people, once the fever breaks and goes away, the quality and health of sperm typically start to get better very quickly, too. Boosting testosterone naturally is easier than you think—simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. By taking steps to take better care of yourself, like keeping cool in the heat and generally leading a healthier life, men can speed up the recovery of their sperm, too. If fertility concerns persist, consulting a doctor can provide further guidance and solutions.
By knowing how fever connects with infections and the quality of sperm, you can take steps to be protective and safeguard their reproductive system.
