A recent study has found that sperm quality is highest in the summer and lowest in the winter, according to researchers from the UK, Canada, and Denmark.
The study, published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, analysed semen samples from 15,581 men in Denmark and Florida, all aged between 18 and 45.
Researchers found that sperm motility, the ability of sperm to swim effectively, was consistently highest in June and July for both parts of the world, as reported by the study's authors, including Professor Allan Pacey from the University of Manchester.
Seasonal Variations
Understanding these seasonal patterns could improve fertility treatments, by optimising the timing of treatment and fertility testing to provide better guidance to couples trying to conceive.
Levels were lowest in December and January, even though Florida remains warm all year round, suggesting that seasonal patterns may affect male fertility more than just temperature differences alone.
Research Findings
The study found no changes in the total sperm concentration or the ejaculate volume, no matter the season, meaning that while sperm's ability to move effectively does vary by season, the time of year doesn't impact the number of sperm produced.
Professor Allan Pacey said: "We were struck by how similar the seasonal pattern was in two completely different climates. Even in Florida, where temperatures stay warm, sperm motility still peaked in summer and dipped in winter, which tells us that ambient temperature alone is unlikely to explain these changes."
The study's findings deepen our understanding of male reproductive health and may help improve fertility outcomes, according to Professor Pacey, who added: "Our study highlights the importance of considering seasonality when evaluating semen quality.
