The Impact of Heat Exposure, Obesity, and Physical Activity on Sperm Quality: An Observational Study

In Indonesia, 12% or 3 million married couples suffer from infertility, with 36% of cases caused by male factors. Heat exposure, obesity, and lack of physical activity can decrease sperm quality by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation and altering the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis mechanisms. This study investigated the impact of heat exposure, obesity, and physical activity on sperm quality. This study employed an analytical observational design with a cross-sectional approach, conducted at the Sekar Fertility Clinic, Dr. Moewardi General Hospital. Sixty samples were analyzed using bivariate, multivariate, and χ2 tests or Fisher exact test with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05. Exposure to heat was found to increase the risk of low-sperm concentration by 74.09 times (p = 0.001), obesity increased the risk of low-sperm concentration by 16.74 times (p = 0.013), and low-sperm motility by 6.12 times (p = 0.014), and lack of physical activity increased the risk of low-sperm concentration by 27.23 times (p = 0.033). Heat exposure, obesity, and physical inactivity are associated with low-sperm concentration, and obesity is also associated with low-sperm motility.