Impact of heat on testicular health and male fertility

Read this informative blog by Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Delhi to learn how heat can damage fertility in men.

Male fertility is declining at an alarming rate, which has become a global concern today. And if recent studies are to be believed, some of the causes of decline of male fertility seem harmless in general. Increased scrotal or testicular temperature is considered to be one of the core causes. Heat sources like hot showers or baths, hot tubs or sauna, warm car seats, even laptops and other devices can affect a man’s reproductive health.

Can Heat Harm Sperm Quality?

The answer is, yes. Sperm is sensitive to high temperatures. The ideal temperature for sperm production is 3-4 degrees lower than the standard human body temperature. Which is why testicles, where sperm is produced, hang lower when it’s warm outside and retreat back when it’s too cold,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, IVF specialist Ghaziabad and Founder & Director of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF center in Ghaziabad.

How does heat affect sperm?

“Scrotal temperature is managed by the tissues neighbouring the testicles which include fat, blood veins and skin. Prolonged exposure to any heat source can increase the temperature of these tissues and create an adverse effect on overall sperm quality,” says Dr. Shubhda Gupta, Gynae in Noida, and Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Noida. Overheating of the testicles can –

• Harm sperm production
• Lower sperm concentration
• Damage sperm morphology
• Harm sperm motility

How does one prevent it?

“Naturally, men’s bodies are designed to fight the temperature change outside. There is a network of veins around the testes that divert heat and prevent overheating. Also, the cremaster muscles contract in cold to bring the scrotum closer to the body and relax in hot to hang away from body heat,” says Dr. Garima Sharma, Gynaecologist Janakpuri and Consultant at the renowned IVF center in Delhi – Gunjan IVF World.

But, what can one do to prevent continuous exposure to heat? Listed below are some simple things that you should follow to take care.

1. Don’t take long, hot baths/showers or sauna: “The hot water shower may feel nice in the morning, but it can raise the body temperature and be harmful for the testicles. Avoid spending too much time in hot tubs, Jacuzzis, or saunas too,” says Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the renowned IVF center in Ghaziabad.
2. Avoid motorcycling for a long time: Especially on hot summer days, long motorcycle rides can increase testicular temperature.
3. Don’t warm your car seats for long: Warm car seats are comforting, but they’re also a cause of increased temperature in the testes.
4. Devices near crotch area: “Keeping your laptop on lap or mobile phone in pocket near the crotch area can directly heat up testicles. This is why you should never work with your laptop on your lap for too long,” says Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF clinic in Ghaziabad.

Conclusion

Fertility specialist Dr. Gunjan Gupta advises, “You can avoid infertility due to overheating only by being a little more mindful. Take care of your reproductive health, and don’t let the heat kill your sperm.”;

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