Heat and infertility: midwife Bigué Ba Mbodji's recommendations for preserving fertility

As temperatures continue to rise in Senegal and the sub-region, a previously little-discussed question is emerging in discussions on reproductive health: what is the impact of heat on fertility? Asked on the sidelines of the skills development workshop for journalists organized by the Association of Journalists in Health, Population and Development (AJSPD) in partnership with Marie Stopes International (MSI), this Tuesday, the president of the National Association of State Midwives of Senegal (ANSEF) provided some explanations.

"Sperm cannot tolerate heat."

"In male anatomy, the testicles are not located inside the body, but outside, precisely because sperm cannot withstand high temperatures," she says from the outset.

According to her, this external position of the testicles is not a coincidence. It helps maintain a temperature lower than that of the body, an essential condition for the production and survival of sperm.

"When exposed to it, it can alter them, or even destroy them. So, there is the fragility of these reproductive cells in the face of thermal variations," she says.

In addition to clothing habits, the president of the midwives' association drew attention to the impact of climate change on male fertility. "Among the consequences of climate change and global warming, some studies show that it can impact fertility, particularly male fertility, due to rising temperatures," she stated.

In light of this situation, Bigué Ba Mbodji offered practical advice to men concerned about preserving their fertility. She emphasized the importance of adopting appropriate clothing habits, especially during periods of intense heat.

"Climate change can impact fertility"

"What we recommend is that men avoid wearing underwear that is too tight for long periods of time. When they go out, go to work or do other activities, they can of course wear underwear. However, it is recommended that they be made of cotton in order to allow air to circulate," she says.

The midwife also emphasized the importance of creating moments of relaxation to allow the genitals to avoid excessive heat throughout the day. She stated, "Since they often spend all day sitting or at work in tight underwear, it is recommended that once at home, they can relax and wear loose clothing so as not to expose this part of their body to excessive heat."

She specifies that this advice is particularly important during periods of intense heat: "It is advisable to wear loose-fitting clothing, such as loose underwear, which allows for better ventilation and prevents a rise in temperature around the genitals," she notes.

"For women, even if it's not solely a matter of temperature..."

What about women? Bigué Ba Mbodji says that female fertility caused by heat does exist. However, she adds, we don't all have the same anatomy. The ovaries, for example, are located inside the body and are therefore not exposed to intense heat in the same way.

However, she warned against other risks associated with unsuitable clothing. "For women, even if it's not solely a matter of temperature, maceration can promote certain infections, particularly genital infections. That's why it's also recommended not to constantly wear underwear that is too tight or made of materials that don't allow the skin to breathe. Cotton underwear is therefore preferable," she advised.