June 2025 Blog: The Heat Factor: How Summer Affects Fertility and What You Can Do About It

The Heat Factor: How Summer Affects Fertility and What You Can Do About It

Summer is often associated with vitality—long days, sunshine, vacations, and fresh foods. However, for individuals and couples facing infertility, summer can also bring added emotional and physiological stress. While many factors influence fertility, some lesser-known seasonal influences, including extreme heat and lifestyle changes in summer, can subtly affect reproductive health.

1. Heat and Male Fertility

Sperm production is highly sensitive to temperature. The testes are located outside the body because sperm requires a temperature a few degrees lower than core body temperature to develop properly. A narrative review in Environmental Sciences emphasizes that environmental factors like excessive heat exposure, tight undergarments, and lifestyle choices can elevate scrotal temperatures, leading to impaired sperm production and morphological abnormalities

  • Increased Scrotal Temperature: Hot weather, tight clothing, prolonged sitting, and activities like hot tub use can increase scrotal temperature, potentially lowering sperm count and motility.

  • Dehydration: Common in the summer, dehydration can reduce semen volume and overall sperm quality.

  • Mitigation: Wearing loose, breathable clothing, staying hydrated, avoiding hot tubs and saunas, and taking breaks from prolonged sitting can help support male fertility during hot months.

2. Summer and Female Fertility

While the female reproductive system is less directly affected by external temperature, summer can influence hormonal balance and menstrual regularity in some women.

  • Heat Stress and Hormones: High temperatures can alter cortisol levels, potentially disrupting the delicate balance of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

  • Lifestyle Factors: Summer diets, which are often lighter and nutrient-rich, can benefit fertility. However, overexercising or extreme dieting in preparation for summer vacations can disrupt ovulation.

  • Hydration and Sleep: Summer heat can interfere with sleep quality and hydration, both of which are crucial for hormonal regulation and ovulatory health.

3. Emotional Challenges During Summer

Summer can be emotionally triggering for those struggling with infertility. Social media is filled with images of families on vacation, and baby bumps may seem more visible with lighter clothing.

  • Coping Tips: Plan restorative activities, practice mindfulness, and consider counseling if seasonal sadness or anxiety intensifies. Setting boundaries with social media or attending support groups can provide comfort.

4. Benefits of Summer for Fertility

It's not all bad news—summer can also offer fertility-friendly advantages:

  • Vitamin D Boost: Exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D levels, which is crucial for reproductive health in both men and women. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to ovulatory disorders and poor sperm parameters.

  • Seasonal Produce: Summer fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, folate, and other nutrients that support hormonal balance and overall reproductive health.

  • More Free Time: For some, summer means time off from work or school, allowing space to focus on fertility treatments, rest, and relaxation.

5. Tips to Protect and Support Fertility During Summer

  • Stay cool: Use fans, wear light clothing, and avoid excessive heat exposure.

  • Eat a balanced diet: Include leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds.

  • Stay hydrated: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, more if you're active.

  • Get enough sleep: Use cooling techniques to maintain sleep quality.

  • Limit alcohol: Summer cocktails may be tempting, but studies show excessive alcohol can impact fertility for both sexes, according to studies.

While summer brings warmth and brightness, it's important to be mindful of its effects on fertility. By staying cool, nourished, and emotionally supported, individuals and couples can navigate the season in a way that supports their reproductive health and well-being. Fertility is a journey influenced by many factors—understanding how summer plays a role can empower people to make informed, compassionate choices.

Sources:

Sengupta, P., Dutta, S., Krajewska-Kulak, E. (2021). Impact of environmental factors on human semen quality and male fertility: a narrative review. Environmental Sciences Europe, 33(1), 1–20. https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-021-00585-w

Li, Y., Wang, X., Zhang, Z., et al. (2023). Influence of vitamin D supplementation on reproductive outcomes of infertile patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 21(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-023-01068-8

Jensen, T. K., Hjollund, N. H. I., Henriksen, T. B., et al. (1998). Does moderate alcohol consumption affect fertility? Follow-up study among couples planning first pregnancy. BMJ, 317(7157), 505–510. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.317.7157.505

Lindsey Goldstein