High temperatures in summer not only cause discomfort in daily life but can also affect reproductive health. Studies show that prolonged hot weather can affect hormones, reduce sperm quality and affect the ovulation cycle in both men and women.
According to Dr. Spandana Nuthakki, an infertility expert, Birla Fertility & IVF, Hyderabad (India), men's reproductive systems work most effectively in environments with temperatures lower than body temperatures. This is also the reason why the testicles are located outside the body to maintain conditions suitable for sperm production.
Exposure to high temperatures for a long time is recorded to reduce sperm count and motility. Common summer habits such as sitting for long periods in hot environments, placing laptops on your lap, or frequently taking hot baths can all affect sperm quality.
Dr. Spandana Nuthakki said that sperm needs about 72 days to fully develop. Therefore, exposure to high temperatures in the summer may not cause immediate effects but still impair sperm quality after a period of time.
Not only men, women can also be affected when the ambient temperature rises. The body constantly having to adapt to hot weather or sudden temperature changes between outdoor and air-conditioned environments can increase the stress hormone cortisol. This can easily cause an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone, two important hormones that help maintain a stable menstrual cycle.
Hormonal changes in the summer can also disrupt ovulation time. In addition, dehydration due to hot weather makes cervical mucus thicker, making sperm more difficult to move during conception.
Sleep is also an important factor often overlooked in the summer. High temperatures at night can cause many people to sleep deeply or wake up frequently. This reduces the production of melatonin, a sleep-supporting hormone, and contributes to protecting reproductive cells from oxidative damage.
To support reproductive health in the summer, you should maintain the habit of drinking enough water, limit going out at sunny times and keep the sleeping space airy and cool. Men should also avoid bathing in too hot water, steaming or placing electronic devices on their thighs for long periods.
In addition, maintaining a stable sleep, balanced diet and stress management also contribute to protecting reproductive hormones in hot weather. Small but regularly maintained changes can bring long-term benefits to reproductive health.
