Wet heat exposure: a potentially reversible cause of low semen quality in infertile men

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the recovery of semen quality in a cohort of infertile men after known hyperthermic exposure to hot tubs, hot baths or whirlpool baths. Materials and Methods: A consecutive cohort of infertile men had a history remarkable for wet heat exposure in the forms of hot tubs, Jacuzzi or hot baths. Clinical characteristics and exposure parameters were assessed before exposure was discontinued, and semen parameters analyzed before and after discontinuation of hyperthermic exposure. A significant seminal response to withdrawal of hyperthermia was defined as ≥ 200% increase in the total motile sperm count (TMC = volume x concentration x motile fraction) during follow-up after cessation of wet heat exposure. Results: Eleven infertile men (mean age 36.5 years, range 31-44) exposed to hyperthermia were evaluated pre and postexposure. Five patients (45%) responded favorably to cessation of heat exposure and had a mean increase in total motile sperm counts of 491%. This increase was largely the result of a statistically significant increase in sperm motility from a mean of 12% at baseline to 34% post-intervention (p = 0.02). Among non-responders, a smoking history revealed a mean of 5.6 pack-years, compared to 0.11 pack-years among responders. The prevalence of varicoceles was similar in both cohorts. Conclusions:The toxic effect of hyperthermia on semen quality may be reversible in some infertile men. We observed that the seminal response to exposure elimination varies biologically among individuals and can be profound in magnitude. Among non-responders, other risk factors that could explain a lack of response to elimination of hyperthermia should be considered.

Men's knowledge of their own fertility: a population-based survey examining the awareness of factors that are associated with male infertility

“…Risks factors included advanced age (Harris et al, 2011), complications with male reproductive organs and genetic abnormalities (Morey et al, 2004;Juul et al, 2014), exposure to heat sources and injurious daily activities (Shefi et al, 2007;Wright et al, 2014), exposure to pesticides and environmental toxins (Oliva et al, 2001), substance use (Close et al, 1990;De Souza and Hallak, 2011), urinary tract infections (Pellati et al, 2008) and various medical treatments (Green et al, 2010;Abarikwu, 2013). Attendant health issues included depression (Martins et al, 2016), prostate cancer (Walsh, 2011) and testicular cancer (Peng et al, 2009).…”

Kafkas Journal of Medical Sciences 2014; 4 (1): 1-44. Full Issue.

“…In a study conducted by Shefi et al, 11 male subjects were asked to keep away from wet heat for three months after being exposed to wet heat over 30 minutes a week for a three month period 48 . The semen samples of the participants were analyzed at beginning, 3rd month, and between 3rd and 6th months.…”

Varicocele-induced infertility: Newer insights into its pathophysiology

“…[28–30] There is conflicting data in humans, however, as to the effects on scrotal temperature of a varicocele. Several reports found no difference in scrotal temperature between infertile men with and without varicocele.…”