Association between meteorological variables and semen quality: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Andrology

Background:

• Spermatogenesis is sensitive to temperature, with high summer heat linked to reduced sperm concentration and count.
• Limited research exists on the impact of other meteorological variables on semen quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between various meteorological variables and semen quality parameters.
• To identify specific environmental factors influencing male reproductive health.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of semen samples (n=11657) and computer-assisted sperm analysis (n=4705) using WHO 2010 criteria.
• Correlation of semen quality with meteorological data (temperature, humidity, pressure, AT, THI, sWBGT, sunshine duration).
• Application of branch and bound variable selection and multiple regression analysis.

Main Results:

• Sperm quality parameters were significantly poorer in summer compared to winter.
• Decreased sperm kinematics observed between winter and spring.
• Sunshine duration and humidity showed significant associations with semen quality, impacting concentration, count, motility, vitality, membrane competence, nuclear maturity, and kinematics.

Conclusions:

• Environmental factors, particularly sunshine duration and humidity, play a crucial role in male reproductive health.
• Findings underscore the importance of environmental monitoring for predicting and addressing climate change-related impacts on fertility.
• Highlights the need for further research into male reproductive health and environmental variations.