Summer has officially begun, and the soaring temperatures are a testament to this. With that, people have to worry about the issues it brings, and among the concerns is whether exposure to heat and high temperatures impacts fertility, especially for men. Male fertility can be affected by genetics, lifestyle, hormone regulation, environmental conditions and other factors. Heat is a concern when it comes to sperm health. Continue reading to learn about summer heat and male fertility.
Excessive heat can impact male fertility and sexual health. Sperm cells are more sensitive than the rest of the body, and testicular thermoregulation is essential for healthy sperm development. They thrive at 2 to 4 degrees less than usual, so scrotum sacs are outside the body to have a lower temperature. Here’s how heat affects male fertility:
Studies indicate some interesting facts on testicular health and temperature. A recent study confirms that exposure to heat leads to reduced sperm quality and, in the worst cases, sterility. Tests showed that exposure to summer heat stress for more than a few hours daily indicated that high temperature impacts sperm motility.
The sperm production process is delicate and needs a specific temperature to function, and the testicles are placed outside the body so that the temperature is less than that of the core body. However, during summer, or due to heat exposure, the delicate balance may get disrupted, reducing sperm quality and quantity. Additionally, high temperatures affect the hypothalamus pituitary gonadal axis, which regulates sperm production.
The impact of heat on sperm production is that it affects sperm motility, rendering them less mobile and decreasing their capacity to travel and fertilise eggs. Additionally, high temperatures affect sperm viability, cause DNA damage and lead to abnormal sperm anatomy.
Researchers found that oxidative stress may damage testicles in high-heat environments. It was further observed that heat reduced sperm count in epididymis and ejaculation. Also, heat-exposed sperm were found to be less motile and defective.
The body secretes hormones like FSH, LH, testosterone and other male sex hormones for sperm production. Dehydration causes blood vessel constrictions and restricts hormones from moving to the testicles. The production of these sex hormones may also be impacted by toxins in the blood as the kidneys cannot filter them.
Healthy semen contains 90 to 95% water, so a hydrated system is critical. Lack of water in the body leads to less sperm nourishment for ovum fertilisation. As less seminal fluid is released, the sperm is thicker and less motile.
Continuous heat exposure can lead to hormonal imbalance in the body. That could impact testosterone levels and, in turn, affect sperm production, reducing sperm count and quality.
● Body overheating: During the summer, men indulge in activities that harm fertility. Continuous exposure to heat, whether in the form of hot tub usage, sunbathing or wearing tight-fit clothes, leads to overheated testicles. The excess heat leads to impaired sperm production, quality and quantity, affecting overall reproductive health.
● Moderate Alcohol Intake: Social gatherings are more in the summer, which means more alcohol consumption impacting testosterone levels and sperm production. So limit intake to protect your fertility.
● Ignoring sun protection: Vitamin D derived from sunlight impacts fertility. However, overexposure to sunlight and UV rays damages sperm DNA.
● Poor diet: Dietary changes and dehydration are common in the summer. Sperm and reproduction health are affected by less water intake and eating food lacking vital nutrients. For optimal fertility in hot seasons, ensure you drink ample water and have a diet rich in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.
Sperm production is better in a cooler environment, a few degrees below core body temperature. Heat reduces sperm count and quality, so use the tips below to protect your reproductive health and fertility.
Stay cool: Men should avoid continuous exposure to heat and high temperatures, which means they should avoid activities like hot tubs, saunas, etc., that increase scrotal temperature.
Drink plenty of water: Optimal hydration is essential to maintaining optimal body temperature. During the summer, the body loses fluids through sweat, so semen consistency and volume are affected. Consume ample water during hot weather to stay hydrated and eat foods like leafy greens, berries and nuts to reduce heat-induced oxidative stress for better sperm quality.
Rigorous Exercise: Excessive exercise in summertime increases scrotal temperature and negatively affects sperm quality. Stick to moderate workouts and cool baths afterwards.
Supplements: Supplements like zinc, vitamin C and E can be used if your diet does not provide essential nutrients.
Reduce smoking and alcohol: Reduce or avoid smoking and alcohol for better fertility, as too much of it impacts fertility.
Consult a specialist: If sperm quality or its parameters are concerning, speak to a fertility specialist.
Low sperm motility, vitality, DNA fragmentation and morphology are some of the adverse effects of summer heat on the sperm. Here are some tips to improve sperm quality:
● Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing and underwear, as tight clothing increases scrotum temperature and impacts sperm count.
● Men should prioritise quality sleep to prevent hormonal imbalances, which impact testosterone levels and sperm quality.
● Maintain optimal weight for better fertility, as fat affects sperm quality.
● Less fluids in the body reduce semen volume, making it viscous and lower sperm count as dehydration alters pH levels and affects hormones. If this is combined with bacterial infections, it leads to a painful UTI (urinary tract infection).
As temperature rises, it is critical to know how heat can affect sperm health and fertility. Take the necessary steps to stay cool and hydrated, to mitigate its harmful effects and protect your fertility. With precautions and awareness of male fertility and hot weather, you can enjoy summer and protect your sexual health, too!
