Taking a soothing hot water bath is incredibly comforting, especially during the winters. This warm shower not only relieves stress but also induces a feeling of tranquility. While the positive effects of warm water on mood are evident, are you aware about this innocuous habit’s impact on fertility?
The testes are situated outside the body, maintaining a temperature approximately four degrees cooler than the rest of the body.
This lower temperature is crucial for optimal functioning and sperm production.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, the germ cells in the testes that operate most effectively are at temperatures slightly lower than the body’s temperature. Even a modest increase in temperature by two to four degrees, whether from a hot shower or other factors, can negatively impact both sperm and testosterone production.
Elevated temperatures can lead to overheating of the testicles, resulting in a decline in sperm count and motility. Moreover, increased heat can compromise the DNA integrity and overall quality of sperm, leading to abnormalities in shape and size. It also leads to a distortion in the structure of sperm cells, diminishing their capacity to move effectively and fertilize an egg. This outcome can lead to infertility or an elevated likelihood of birth defects and genetic abnormalities in any conceived offspring. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to hot water also heightens the risk of infections, which can negatively impact fertility.
Exposure to elevated temperatures in a sauna can induce notable impairments in sperm, including alterations in sperm indices, mitochondrial dysfunction, and closure of sperm DNA. Therefore, the regulation of body temperature is crucial for preserving optimal fertility. This involves refraining from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as in hot baths or saunas, opting for breathable clothing, and avoiding excessively warm environments.