According to a new study published in Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports, climate change is one of the emerging risk factors for male infertility. With global fertility rates on a downward trend, identifying the major causes behind it becomes imperative. In this article, we delve into the study’s findings, including the impact of the consequences of climate change and the mechanisms involved.
Climate change and male fertility
The climate change discussion usually centers around extreme weather, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. However, a growing body of research suggests climate change may also have a profound impact on human health, including male fertility. The 2025 study, titled “The consequences of climate change and male reproductive health: A review of the possible impact and mechanisms” explores how environmental shifts could be contributing to the decline in male reproductive function.
The consequences of climate change
Climate change affects water, air, weather, the sea, and the ecosystem, with wide-ranging consequences. As emphasized by the study authors, these consequences directly or indirectly affect male fertility:
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Heat stress and heat waves
Rising global temperatures may put male fertility at risk. Prolonged heat exposure can lower testosterone levels, disrupt hormone production, and damage sperm quality. High temperatures stress the testes, impact sperm quality, and contribute to DNA fragmentation. While the body’s natural protective proteins can help in the short term, long-term heat exposure often overwhelms these defenses. As heat waves become more frequent, the impact on male fertility can become greater.
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Cold stress
Climate change is causing weather shifts that can lead to harsher winters. Research shows that prolonged exposure to cold can lower testosterone levels, disrupt sperm production, and damage testicular cells. Cold stress has also been linked to increased inflammation and weakened sperm motility and structure. Studies suggest that testosterone levels and sexual activity decline in winter, supporting these findings.
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Malnutrition
Extreme weather events lead to food shortages, foodborne pathogens, increased pesticide use, and exposure to heavy metals. Protein-energy malnutrition impairs semen quality and can lead to hypogonadism and reduced testosterone levels. Malnutrition can also cause epigenetic changes that impact male fertility.
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Air pollution
Entire populations are being exposed to harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, methane, and fine particulate matter. These toxins can damage reproductive health, leading to lower sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Industrialized countries have seen a steady decline in sperm concentration.
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Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections are one by-product of air pollution. Conditions like asthma and viral infections like COVID-19 can lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced testosterone production. Fever and systemic inflammation from infections can further harm sperm.
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Sexually Transmitted Infections
The study authors note that climate change influences the spread of STIs in several ways. Research shows that extreme weather events, such as droughts or heavy rains, are linked to higher HIV prevalence in vulnerable populations. Food insecurity has been associated with increased risky sexual behaviors, such as transactional sex for survival, reduced condom use, and lower adherence to HIV treatment. STIs can affect sperm production and hormone levels.
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Cardiovascular disease
Extreme temperatures exacerbate cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is linked to lower testosterone levels, which can affect male fertility by impairing spermatogenesis, and increasing sperm DNA fragmentation. Additionally, certain medications to treat CVD can negatively impact sperm quality and testosterone production.
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Cancer
Climate change contributes to an increased production of carcinogens, such as those from wildfires, and greater exposure to them both physically and through food. Due to increased UV radiation, it also increases the risk of skin cancer. Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, can negatively impact male fertility.
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Mental Stress
Existing studies show that heat waves and extreme weather events contribute to mood and anxiety disorders and in some cases, also lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health disorders can impact fertility in multiple ways, including decreased testosterone levels and impaired sperm quality.
To Conclude
This latest study emphasizes the significant, yet often overlooked, impact of climate change on male fertility. There is an urgent need to address both the direct physical consequences of climate change and its broader impact on human health and fertility. Actions to reduce environmental pollutants, protect vulnerable populations, and adapt to these changes can help safeguard male fertility as the climate changes.
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