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.
Hot weather and elevated temperatures can significantly affect sperm quality and concentration.
Jelena – stock.adobe.com
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 shape of sperm and even its DNA integrity.
Women don't have it easy, either. Heat can increase oxidative stress, which may impair egg quality.
Dr. Prati Sharma, an OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist, shares six suggestions for optimizing fertilization during hot summer weather and heat waves.
Bird&Be
'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.
Do's and don't's for conceiving in the summer
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.
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