SUMMER AND FERTILITY

1 June 20253′ read5 sections

CONTENTS

Heat and male fertility
Sun, vitamin D and ovulation
Mood, relaxation and hormonal balance
Fertility treatment and summer
Final thoughts

Summer is the season of carefree days, holidays and renewal. For many couples who are trying to conceive, however, it also brings questions: Can the heat affect fertility? Which conditions help, and which make the effort harder?

Let us look at how summer interacts with physiology and fertility treatment — and what you can do to make it work in your favour.

Heat and male fertility

The higher ambient temperatures of the summer months can have a negative effect on sperm quality. When temperature rises — whether because of a heatwave, tight clothing or habits such as resting a laptop on your lap for hours — sperm production is affected. 📌 Tip: Choose loose, cotton clothing and avoid prolonged exposure to hot surfaces.

Sun, vitamin D and ovulation

Summer increases our exposure to the sun, and with it the production of vitamin D. This vitamin has been shown to play a role in regulating ovulation and in egg quality. Studies have shown that women with normal vitamin D levels have better chances of conceiving — whether naturally or through IVF.

📌 Tip: Short daily walks in the sun (before the peak hours) are beneficial. In some cases, vitamin D supplementation may also be recommended.

Mood, relaxation and hormonal balance

Reducing stress is one of fertility's greatest allies. Summer offers a chance to unwind and to grow closer to our partner. Chronic stress, on the other hand, has been linked to hormonal imbalances that can adversely affect both male and female fertility. 📌 Tip: Spend quality time together, enjoy simple moments and make room for tenderness. Small moments of calm make a big difference.

Fertility treatment and summer

Many couples wonder: "Should we keep trying, or wait until September?" The answer depends on each individual case. With the right planning and a specialist's guidance, summer can be an ideal time to start or continue an assisted reproduction programme.

Dr. Alexandros Traianos, head of the Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, approaches every story with knowledge, discretion and consistency. Every couple is unique — and so should be the approach they deserve.

Final thoughts

Summer is not just sun and sea. It is also a chance for a new beginning. Do not hesitate to seek support and scientific guidance. Fertility does not "take a holiday" — and you do not have to feel alone on this journey.

At the Dr. Alexandros Traianos Centre for Reproductive Medicine & Fetal Medicine, we are by your side in every season of the year.

📞 Contact us to arrange an appointment or a preventive check-up tailored to your needs.

TAGSreproductive medicine centremale fertilityvitamin_Dfertilitychildbearingovulation

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

Heat and male fertility

Sun, vitamin D and ovulation

Mood, relaxation and hormonal balance

Fertility treatment and summer

Final thoughts

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?