Does Summer affect Male fertility?

Monday, August 7, 2023

Summer can have a negative impact on male fertility. Sperm are very sensitive to heat, so high temperatures can damage them. This is why men who work in hot environments or who spend a lot of time in hot tubs or saunas may have lower sperm counts.

Here are some of the ways summer can affect male fertility:

• Increased scrotal temperature: The testicles are located outside of the body because they need to be cooler than the rest of the body in order to produce sperm. When the testicles overheat, it can damage the sperm cells and make it more difficult to conceive.
• Increased production of free radicals: Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. When sperm cells are exposed to free radicals, they can become damaged and less likely to fertilize an egg.
• Decreased sperm motility: Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move. When sperm are exposed to heat, they can become less motile, which makes it more difficult for them to reach and fertilize an egg.
• Decreased sperm morphology: Sperm morphology is the appearance of sperm. When sperm are exposed to heat, they can become misshapen, which makes it less likely for them to fertilize an egg.

Here are some tips for boosting your fertility during summer:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight may create a thin layer of fat around the testicles and raise their temperature. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are packed with nutrients that are essential for fertility, such as folate, vitamin C, and zinc.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can alter your normal pH levels and adversely affect hormonal levels. Less availability of fluid in the body makes semen viscous and causes semen volume and sperm count to lower considerably. So, staying hydrated is important for overall health, and it’s especially important for fertility. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day.
• Avoid Tight Clothing: The tight Clothing raises the temperature of the scrotum and may affect sperm count. Wear loose clothing that allows air circulation and deflects heat.
• Get regular exercise:  Exercise is good for overall health, and it can also help to improve fertility. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
• Manage stress: Stress can have a negative impact on fertility. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
• Place the laptop away: Most people work with their laptops on their laps, and unknowingly the groin region absorbs all the heat generated. In summers, the effect increases, and studies have confirmed reduced semen quality when men use their computers directly on their laps. Hence, always place the laptop on a desk and, under unavoidable circumstances, place a thick barrier (such as a pillow) between the laptop and your lap so that you don’t feel any excess heat.
• Avoid sauna: Because sperm like to live and function at a narrow temperature range (usually two to three degrees less than your core body temperature) exposing your testicles to too much heat can cause fertility problems.
  Saunas maintain a much higher temperature than hot tubs. They are around 180-195 degrees, and these high temperatures have been associated with disruption of spermatogenesis and decreases in semen parameters.