Fluctuations in Seminal Quality throughout the Year: How do Temperature, Humidity and Atmospheric Pressure Impact on...

Area of Science:

• Andrology
• Environmental Medicine
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Previous research on seasonal semen quality primarily focused on temperature.
• A comprehensive understanding of meteorological factors influencing semen parameters is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate seasonal patterns in sperm quality.
• To examine the association between semen parameters and meteorological variables including temperature, humidity, apparent temperature, and atmospheric pressure.
• To identify key environmental predictors of semen quality in a large patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, cross-sectional, correlational study of 15,665 andrological patients.
• Patients grouped by season (summer, winter, spring, autumn).
• Meteorological data (temperature, humidity, apparent temperature, atmospheric pressure) averaged over the 74-day spermatogenic cycle.

Main Results:

• Significant seasonal effects observed on sperm count, total sperm count, and total motile sperm count, peaking in winter and declining in summer.
• Correlation analysis revealed negative associations between temperature, apparent temperature, and humidity with semen parameters.
• Humidity emerged as the most potent meteorological variable influencing semen quality.

Conclusions:

• Sperm quality exhibits distinct seasonal variations.
• Elevated environmental temperature and humidity adversely affect key semen parameters.
• Environmental factors play a crucial role in modulating male reproductive health.