Do changes in weather patterns impact fertility of men and women? Check out

Hyderabad: Seasonal changes directly affect the physical and mental health of human beings.

However, little do people know that seasonal changes also impact male and female fertility. Particularly rising temperatures during summer exacerbate fertility issues.

What is snowballing the problem is the lack of awareness among couples over this issue.

Taking preventive measures like staying hydrated, wearing loose clothes, reducing exposure to extreme heat, and taking foods to overcome high temperatures can help preserve the fertility of both males and females.

Severe impact on sperm quality

Dr. Sai Manasa Darla, Clinical Head & Fertility Specialist, “Male fertility can be particularly hampered by summer heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can have an impact on the quality and production of sperm”.

The ideal temperature for the testes which produce sperm should be slightly lower than that of the body. The ideal temperature of the testes should be around 35 to 36° C.

“Men who spend a lot of time in hot environments like saunas or hot tubs or tight clothes may experience temporary decline in fertility; however such effects are reversible if the exposure to heat is reduced”, Dr Sai Manasa said.

Impact on Female Fertility

The scorching temperature can affect ovulation cycles and hormone regulation in women. Extreme temperatures cause stress and dehydration which can interfere with both menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances.

Elevated temperatures can interfere with the implantation process, making it more challenging for a fertilized egg to implant and develop properly. Also, studies have suggested that exposure to higher temperatures may accelerate ovarian aging, potentially decreasing female fertility.

“Hormonal imbalances make it harder for women to predict ovulation thereby impacting their chances of conception. Summer heat can occasionally have an impact on the results of fertility treatments for women because it can alter how the body reacts to fertility drugs or procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF)”, Dr Sai Manasa added.

Preserving and improving fertility in summer

Being aware and following preventive measures are essential to preserve the fertility of males and females.

Dr Sai Manasa said, “Couples must stay hydrated and limit exposure to extreme heat, especially during summer. Wearing loose-fitting garments can help regulate body temperature. Apart from that, couples can boost fertility by engaging in stress management, balanced diet, and staying away from hot tubs and saunas”.

Seeking expert advice, particularly fertility experts on enhancing the chances of conceiving during warmer months. By taking proactive measures one can safeguard fertility and comprehend how temperature affects reproductive health.