Hot weather is killing your sperm — 6 ways to salvage fertility in summer heat waves
Hot weather can be so aggravating — the sweatiness, stickiness, smelliness and sleeplessness make life extremely unpleasant.
Sunburns, dehydration, heat stroke and asthma flare-ups are among the chief concerns as the days get longer and the clothes get shorter.
A reproductive endocrinologist warns of another, perhaps overlooked, health hazard in sunshine season — fertility challenges.
Studies suggest a connection between warmer months and reduced fertility rates, particularly related to male fertility.
Sperm production requires temperatures two to four degrees cooler than normal body temperature, said Dr. Prati Sharma, an OB/GYN and medical adviser to fertility care company Bird&Be.
Sizzling temps can also affect the swimming ability, size and shapeof sperm and even its DNA integrity.
Women don't have it easy, either. Heat can increase oxidative stress, which may impair egg quality.
'The follicles developing each cycle are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, especially during the ovulatory window,' Sharma told The Post.
'Additionally, poor sleep from heat can raise cortisol levels, which in turn can disrupt reproductive hormones.'
Sharma has six vital suggestions for couples looking to optimize fertilization during sweat-er weather.
Hydrate well to support cervical mucus quality, hormone transport and overall reproductive function.
Focus on cooling key pulse points like the feet and wrists to lower core body temperatures.
Maintain comfortable room temperatures at work and home. Temperate climates are best for body functions, including reproductive health.
Consider taking cold showers before bed, which may support better sleep quality and reduce inflammatory stress on the body.
Stick to warm water for daily hygiene rather than excessively hot or cold showers.
Exercise at reasonable temperatures and steer clear of hot yoga, heating pads, hot tubs and saunas while trying to procreate.
Sharma also suggests Bird&Be's 'Powers for Males' antioxidant supplement to improve sperm motility.
At-home sperm tests provide important information about sperm concentration and motility, allowing for experimentation with cooling strategies, while essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and magnesium support sperm development, she said.
In summer and other seasons, men should avoid tight clothing and a laptop on the lap if attempting to conceive.
'When heat is concentrated in the scrotal area,' Sharma said, 'it damages sperm DNA.'
That's not so hot.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Cancer-stricken NYC Marine dies while waiting for payout after exposure to Camp Lejeune's toxic water
A retired Marine reservist from Harlem who spent months fighting for recognition alongside thousands of other veterans allegedly poisoned by toxic water while serving at Camp Lejeune has died, his family said. Richard Corley suffered esophageal cancer and was battling a tumor next to his pancreas when he entered hospice care several months ago, two of his three kids told The Post. He was 66. His June 23 death at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx came 16 months after he filed a claim with the federal government, seeking compensation for the illness he believed was caused by the water at the famed US Marine base in Jacksonville, NC. Richard Corley died after a years-long struggle with cancer he believes was brought on by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. Aristide Economopoulos For The New York Post 'If he'd had some resources, there were some things on his bucket list he never got a chance to complete,' said son Royce Corley, recalling how he'd gotten his passport and wanted to travel to visit family in the Caribbean. 'He never got a chance.' His case 'now goes to a wrongful death claim, and because of that he's entitled to more compensation but it's bittersweet,' the son added. 'I'd rather have my father be alive to see that justice be done.' Corley, who first served at Camp Lejeune in 1982, attained the rank of gunnery sergeant and worked in real estate until he became ill. Corley first served at Camp Lejeune in 198X Aristide Economopoulos For The New York Post His final days were spent in 'excruciating pain,' but Corley 'was still fighting. He was still tough,' his son said. Sick and dying veterans such as Corley thought help finally arrived in August 2022, when Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allowed those diagnosed with one of 15 different illnesses who served at the base from 1953 to 1987 to file a claim with the US Navy, and to sue if the claim is rejected or ignored. As many as a million military members, their families and civilian staffers are believed to have been exposed to contaminated water for decades. To date, more than 500,000 claims have been filed with the US Department of Justice — but so far less than 500 have been settled, according to Corley's lawyers, who noted hundreds of veterans have died while waiting for compensation. 'This shouldn't be just thrown to the wayside because he is deceased,' said Corley's daughter Chantel. 'They can rectify it properly and lay this to rest as it needs to be. There are other people who are effected by this.'
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Does your dog need sunscreen? Which breeds are most susceptible to burns — and how to protect them
Hot dogs won't be the only ones roasting this Fourth of July weekend. While you're flipping franks and catching rays, your furry friend might be getting fried — and too much sun can bring some seriously ruff consequences. But don't sweat it: The Post fetched expert advice from two veterinarians on how to keep your pooch cool, safe and tail-wagging all summer long — including how to avoid a well-meaning but potentially 'toxic' mistake. Advertisement 6 Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells quickly, including in dogs. Thisislove – Can dogs get a sunburn? Yes, so paw-lease be careful out there. 'Dogs can get a sunburn on areas of their body with less hair, such as the bridge of their nose,' said Dr. Lori Bierbrier, senior medical director of community medicine at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) eastern region. Other areas that are vulnerable to the sun include the ears, belly, tail and eyelids. Advertisement Are certain breeds more at risk? 'Dogs that have minimal to no hair covering their bodies are more predisposed to have sunburns,' said Dr. Timnah Lee, the medical director of Seaport Animal Hospital and Tribeca Soho Animal Hospital. Think: American hairless terriers, Chinese crested and Xoloitzcuintli. But it's not just the hairless crew who can suffer from sun damage. Advertisement 'Those with short hair, thin coats, light colored fur, or pale skin are also at a greater risk of sunburn — just like people,' Bierbrier said. 6 Some dogs are at higher risk of sunburn due to their thin fur coat. Natallia Vintsik – That includes Dalmatians, collies, Weimaraners, bulldogs, boxers, pit bulls, whippets and greyhounds. Advertisement Even fluffy breeds like huskies, German shepherds and Golden Retrievers aren't off the hook, since seasonal shedding can leave them more exposed to the sun's rays. And before you reach for the clippers, think twice. While it might seem like shaving your furry friend would help them cool off, Bierbrier warned that it can actually do more harm than good. 'A dog's coat keeps them from getting too cold in the winter, but also keeps them from overheating in the summer,' she explained. 'Shaving your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort, overheating and other serious dangers like sunburn or skin cancer.' 6 Sun protective clothing can shield your dog from harmful UV rays. Sydney – How do I keep my pup safe in the sun? 'On those more susceptible dogs, I recommend a doggy sunscreen on their bodies and face,' Lee said. 'Remember to reapply like you do for yourself.' Pet-friendly sunscreens come in a variety of forms. The AKC suggests choosing water-resistant, unscented formulas with an SPF of at least 30. Advertisement 'It is extremely important that you use the sunscreen designated for pets only, as human sunscreens can be toxic,' Bierbrier warned. Certain ingredients in human products — like zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid — can cause vomiting, diarrhea and in severe cases, even zinc toxicity or liver damage if ingested. 'Sun shirts are also available to put on your pet to protect their skin,' Bierbrier noted. 'Also, avoiding the sun at the highest temperature points on the day is advised.' 6 For severe sunburns, experts recommend seeking veterinary care. anamejia18 – How can you tell if your dog's been burned? Advertisement 'Sunburns can be different in each pet depending on their coloring and how often they were exposed to the sun,' Bierbrier said. 'Similar to humans, dogs can get red skin that is tender to the touch. The skin may be inflamed, flakey or blistered,' she added. 'Your pet may also show signs of dehydration.' Dehydration symptoms in dogs include dry, sticky gums, loss of skin elasticity, heavy panting, sunken eyes, lethargy, decreased appetite and darker or reduced urine output, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). 6 Sunburn can be exacerbated by hot weather and dehydration. mdorottya – Advertisement My dog has a sunburn — now what? If your pooch is pink, don't panic. 'Consult your veterinarian if you believe your pet has a sunburn,' Lee advised. 'We don't always want to put aloe on them like we do for ourselves, as they can lick it off, and sometimes that can create an upset tummy,' she added. Advertisement For more serious burns, Bierbrier said vets may prescribe medicated ointments. But for milder cases, there are easy at-home treatments, like oatmeal baths. 'Keeping your pet well hydrated is extremely important,' she noted. 'Cold compresses can also help relieve the inflamed skin.' 6 Pet sunscreens come in sprays, lotions, balms and wipes. Pixel-Shot – Can sunburn lead to skin cancer in dogs? 'It can, but since dogs have fur, their skin is overall better protected than humans from the risk of skin cancer,' Bierbrier said. Still, it's important to stay alert, since skin cancer in dogs is often treatable when caught early. 'Monitor the skin for any new growths, especially if they grow rapidly,' Bierbrier said. 'A veterinarian can test the growth to determine if the growths are cancerous or benign.' But skin cancer isn't the only reason to be cautious about letting your dog soak up too many rays. Besides being painful, sunburns damage the skin's protective barrier, making your pup more vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections. It can also worsen other conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and dermatitis, according to the AKC.
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Spermidine is the ‘Swiss army knife of longevity,' from hair growth to heart health — how to get more of it
This supplement's got spunk. Studies show that spermidine, a naturally occurring compound, can improve brain health, immunity, cardiovascular resilience and overall appearance. 'Spermidine is the Swiss army knife of longevity,' Leslie Kenny, founder of Oxford Health Span and co-founder of the Oxford Longevity Project, told The Post. And while natural sources of it include — as the name suggests — sperm, it can also be found in breastmilk as well as foods like wheatgerm, soy beans, mature cheeses, mushrooms and peas. 5 Incorporating spermidine-rich foods or supplements can keep our minds sharp, skin supple and hearts kicking. Jacob Lund – Spermidine it plays a key role in slowing aging, protecting against disease, fighting inflammation and maintaining metabolism by activating a process that gets rid of damaged cell parts and recycling them. 'It's in huge amounts in semen,' Kenny explained. 'It's in the endosperm of all seeds to ensure the survival of the next plant generation. It's made in our tissues and our gut biome for a reason, and plants are making it for a reason too.' Exercise, fasting, pregnancy or acute infections can ramp up levels in the boy — but our natural production plummets as we age. Yet longevity experts like Kenny say incorporating spermidine-rich foods and spermidine supplements can keep our minds sharp, skin supple and hearts kicking. Unsurprisingly, spermidine is a key component in biohacker Bryan Johson's daily anti-aging regimen. Offers immune support Kenny, who battled autoimmune conditions and rheumatoid arthritis in her 30s, was introduced to spermidine through researchers at Oxford University, whose work demonstrated that it could rejuvenate the immune systems of mice. 'If the immune system works, it can protect us from cancer, pathogens and an autoimmune attack. Spermidine is helpful for autoimmune patients because it's very anti-inflammatory,' she explained. 5 Unsurprisingly, spermidine is a key component in biohacker Bryan Johson's daily anti-aging regimen. Prostock-studio – Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes, heart disease and muscle pain, so reducing it could yield several health benefits. Supplementing with spermidine could also clear toxic proteins such as amyloid-beta and tau, the accumulation of which can lead to Alzheimer's disease. Hormonal balance A 2023 study dubbed spermidine 'groundbreaking' for hormonal health and fertility, as research showed it improved egg quality in older mice. The same study showed that it can aid in hormone balancing and incontinence. In nearly all test subjects who took spermidine supplements, levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped dramatically, and in male participants, testosterone increased by 50%. 'Spermidine is the trash man. If you aren't taking the trash out, it just accumulates, nothing functions, and that's how it is with the brain.' Leslie Kenny 'In women, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone increased, as did the hormone precursors DHEA and pregnenolone,' Kenny said. 'Some of the women actually reported that their incontinence, that urgency to go to the bathroom, significantly reduced. I think the reason why is that faster cell turnover helps the lining of the bladder.' Hair growth and keeping the gray at bay That same rapid cellular turnover directly benefits hair, skin and nails. 5 Leslie Kenny says spermidine can balance hormones. Leslie Kenney/Instagram The natural color of our hair comes from melanin. As we grow older, we make less melanin — and hence, less hair pigment. Over time, that leads to gray or white hair. Spermidine, however, keeps the hair follicle in the growth phase of the hair life cycle for longer, leading to longer locks and fewer grays. Better brain function A 2020 study found that spermidine supplementation protects the brain from neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, memory loss and motor impairment associated with aging. 'Spermidine is the trash man. If you aren't taking the trash out, it just accumulates, nothing functions, and that's how it is with the brain,' Kenny said. Heart health In a 2018 study, spermidine improved heart function in mice, leading to better health and expanded lifespan. Similar effects have been studied in humans. 'We have these cells called cardiomyocytes that govern the rhythm of the heart, and they don't replenish very easily,' said Kenny, who added that spermidine can help them stay in 'tip-top performance condition.' 5 A 2018 study revealed that spermidine improved cardiovascular function in mice, leading to improved health and expanded lifespan. Alexander Raths – Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) NAFLD is marked by excess fat in the liver of people who consume little or no alcohol. The primary cause is obesity, along with metabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnea. In preclinical trials and animal studies, notes Kenny, spermidine reverses the effects of NAFLD. 'It's improving metabolic function and reducing triglycerides, and it seems to help with LDL cholesterol as well,' she said. How to incorporate spermidine The minimum effective dose of spermidine is one milligram per day, according to Kenny, a level that can be tough to reach through diet alone. 'It's hard to guarantee that you get that amount from food sources, but supplementation guarantees you're getting the right amount to help with memory and cognition. But I still want people to turn to plants if they can, because the fiber is really valuable,' she said. 5 Regarding whole plant sources, mushrooms and legumes are rich in spermidine, and to a lesser degree, spinach and broccoli. (JLco) Julia Amaral – The spermidine sold through the Oxford Longevity Project is plant-derived and naturally sourced, making it a cleaner and safer choice than synthetic options. Regarding whole plant sources, mushrooms and legumes are rich in spermidine, and to a lesser degree, spinach and broccoli. A 2016 study published in the journal Nature Medicine reported that eating aged cheese that contains spermidine was linked to a longer life span in lab mice, suggesting you don't have to choose between eating rich and living long. As far as getting spermidine from human sperm itself — if you're so inclined — Kenny notes that the levels in sperm vary, and quality is dependent on the overall health of the male in question. 'It's the fountain of youth! From a healthy man, you'd get a lot, and it would be, in my opinion, very beneficial.'
