Expert Answers If Heat Waves Affect
Women's Sexual Health
Apart from
causing harm to our Mother Earth, heat waves also wreak havoc on the well-being
and health of individuals. Exposure to sweltering temperatures brings forth a
range of adverse effects. Dehydration, cramps
With the
progress and evolution of our world, the Earth is undergoing profound shifts in
its climate, and India is not exempt from this phenomenon. In fact, amidst the
uncertainties we have encountered in recent years, 2023 has notably presented
us with a pressing issue: a temperature surge. According to Indian
Meteorological Department, India experienced its hottest days in February,
marking a record not seen in over twelve centuries. As temperatures continue to
rise, India will find itself more engulfed in scorching heat waves.
Apart from
causing harm to our Mother Earth, heat waves also wreak havoc on the well-being
and health of
individuals. Exposure to sweltering temperatures brings forth a range of
adverse effects. Dehydration, cramps accompanied by swelling and fainting, and
exhaustion leading to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, and nausea, are
just a few symptoms that can emerge during scorching summer days. Heat stroke—a
potentially fatal condition—may occur in severe cases. Furthermore, seemingly
unrelated health issues, such as kidney problems and skin infections, have also
been linked to hot weather conditions. However, the impact of intense heat
extends beyond these physical ailments; it has also been observed to adversely
affect women's fertility and lead to abnormalities in menstruation patterns.
Here are
some of the effects on women's sexual health of heat waves according to
Dr.Kavya Krishnappa, MBBS, MS(OBG), FRM, DRM, Consultant Reproductive Medicine,
Milann Fertility and Birthing Hospital:
Hormonal Changes: High temperature affects not only
the lifestyle and
stress level but also the body's hormone regulation, potentially influencing
menstrual cycles and fertility. In fact, when periods fall during a heat wave,
the erratic hormones and damp weather can make the period challenging to handle.
High temperatures may also disturb the delicate balance required for
reproductive health.
Decrease Libido: It is undeniably true that hot
weather and higher air humidity make women vulnerable to yeast infection. This
discomfort, fatigue, and physical strain brought about by heat waves can play a
role in reducing one's sexual desire or libido. Additionally, the high
temperatures further temper the desire to partake in personal acts.
Vaginal Dryness: Dehydration is a common
occurrence due to extreme weather. In addition, the dehydration brought on by
heat waves can reduce vaginal lubrication, which can cause discomfort or agony
during sexual activity. Therefore, it's crucial to stay adequately hydrated in
order to maintain appropriate vaginal moisture levels. Additionally, it may
affect the reproductive system by impairing and lowering the egg quality,
raising questions about ovulation.
Psychological Factors: Given the physical
consequences, extreme heat can have profound psychological implications on
women's reproductive health. This is where stress hormones (cortisol) spike as
temperature rise. According to the study published in the American
Psychological Society, finds that people are more likely to have higher amounts
of stress hormones in their blood during the summer. So it is safe to state
that heat waves can cause both physical and mental discomfort. Heat-related
discomfort and high-stress levels have been linked to changes in mood, anxiety,
and diminished sexual satisfaction.
Prevention is Better than Cure :
It is not an overstatement to say that climate change is causing a number of issues, with temperature increases being the most significant. In this regard, the rising temperature is not only wreaking havoc on Mother Earth, but also having a negative impact on people's physical and mental health. Among other health concerns, extreme heat is taking a huge toll on women's fertility, leading to abnormalities in menstruation patterns. However, each individual may experience the effects of heat waves differently on their sexual health. Heat waves have an effect on sexual health depending on individual factors like age, general health, and personal resiliency. Therefore, consulting with fertility specialists became a popular remedy to address the issue.
