The effect of seasonal temperature changes on semen parameters

Introduction: In more than 40% of cases of infertile couples, male factor infertility has been identified as the primary or secondary causative factor. Environmental factors such as age, nutritional status, and ambient temperature contribute to male infertility. It has been demonstrated that variations in seasonality are amongst the critical factors associated with variations in semen quality. Although seasonal variation in semen quality has been demonstrated in an inter-patient study design, to our knowledge it has not been demonstrated in an intra-patient design. The aim of our study was to evaluate the seasonal variation of semen quality in the same patients. Material and methods: The present study involved a total of 182 patients who underwent semen analysis during both the spring and fall seasons between 2016 and 2024, excluding those with azoospermia. Age and body mass index of the patients were recorded. Semen volume, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive sperm motility, viability and percentage of normal morphology were included in the analyses. Results: The mean age of the patients was 29.9 ± 6.4 years (18-50 years) and mean body mass index was 25.8 ± 1.2 kg/m2. Sperm motility decreased from a median of 34.9% in spring to a median of 33% in fall. Sperm motility in spring was significantly higher than in fall (p=0.006). Similarly, normal morphology decreased from a median of 3% in spring to a median of 1% in fall. The rate of normal morphology in spring was significantly higher than in fall (p=0.005). No seasonal differences were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and viability. The correlation analysis was revealed that a negative correlation between patient age and total motility, progressive motility, and viability. Conclusion: Semen parameters of the same patients in different seasons varied in terms of total motility and percentage of normal morphology. Seasonal variation in semen quality should be considered in the management of male infertility. Keywords: Semen analyses, Seasonal variation, Male infertility, Semen quality