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How to protect yourself from the heatwave during fertility treatment in summer with extreme heat
The world is experiencing a historic heatwave, with temperatures peaking at 40 °C. When undergoing assisted reproduction treatment, it is perfectly normal to have some concerns.
A heatwave during fertility treatment in summer isn’t always a good combination, but with the right habits, it’s perfectly possible to continue with the medical protocol with peace of mind.
We’ve asked Dr. Elena Santiago for her advice on how best to get through this period and to answer our questions: can the medication be affected by the heat? Do you need to rest more? Here are clear answers and practical advice.
- 1. Tratamiento de fertilidad en verano
- 2. Fertility treatment in summer
- 3. Does heat affect fertility?
- 4. Why is it harder to cope with the heat during fertility treatment in summer?
- 5. Can fertility treatment continue as normal during a heatwave?
- 6. Tips for coping with a heatwave during fertility treatment in summer
- 7. How can you protect IVF medication from the heat?
- 8. Can you go on holiday whilst undergoing fertility treatment?
- 9. Do you need to rest completely in hot weather?
- 10. Symptoms of heatstroke
- 11. How does a heatwave affect your mood during fertility treatment?
- 12. Frequently asked questions about heatwaves during fertility treatment in summer
- 12.1. Can a heatwave compromise my IVF process?
- 12.2. Can I keep my medication in the fridge if I’m not sure where it should be stored?
- 12.3. I’ve missed an injection because of the heat. What should I do?
- 12.4. Can I go out in the sun after an appointment at the fertility clinic?
- 12.5. My treatment has got warm in the car. Can I still use it?
- 13. Fertility treatments this summer at Vida Fertility
- 14. The best fertility clinics in Spain
Tratamiento de fertilidad en verano
Fertility treatment in summer
Summer has become one of the most popular times to start fertility treatment.
Holidays, a lighter workload and the chance to devote more time to self-care mean that many people feel ready to focus on their desire to become parents by starting their fertility treatment in summer.
Furthermore, if you live abroad, travelling abroad for IVF during these months can make organising your treatment easier and allow you to go through this process in a more relaxed and supportive environment.
At Vida Fertility, we provide personalised support for each case so that you can take this important step with the peace of mind and support you need.
Does heat affect fertility?
Yes, very high temperatures can affect fertility and reproductive health, especially when the body reaches temperatures above 39 °C or in cases of dehydration or heatstroke.
As Dr Elena Santiago explains, “Our bodies need to maintain a very precise balance for reproductive processes to function correctly. Heat stress, dehydration or prolonged exposure to high temperatures can disrupt this balance and affect both women and men.”
How heat affects female fertility
In women, extreme heat can lead to exhaustion, increase feelings of fatigue and contribute to hormonal imbalances and a decline in general well-being. Furthermore, during pregnancy, the body works harder to regulate body temperature, making pregnant women more vulnerable to dehydration and heat stress.
In certain circumstances, particularly in work environments with very high temperatures or prolonged exposure to heat, an increase in core body temperature has been linked to a higher risk of certain complications during pregnancy.
How heat affects male fertility
In men, excessive heat can also affect fertility, as sperm production requires a temperature slightly lower than that of the rest of the body. Frequent exposure to high temperatures, saunas or periods of intense heat can temporarily affect semen quality.
The good news is that, in most cases, these effects are temporary and can be minimised with simple measures such as staying properly hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun and seeking cool environments during heatwaves.
If you’re trying to conceive or undergoing assisted reproduction treatment during the summer months, consulting a fertility specialist can help answer your questions and tailor some recommendations to your personal situation. At Vida Fertility, we’d be delighted to support you on this journey.
Why is it harder to cope with the heat during fertility treatment in summer?
In assisted reproduction, the body is already under strain. Hormones, injections, waiting for results… all of this places a significant physical and emotional burden on the body. When a heatwave strikes, it amplifies what is already there.
The heat can exacerbate:
- Hormonal fatigue, which is already present in most treatment protocols;
- Dehydration, which intensifies headaches and dizziness;
- Abdominal discomfort, particularly following an ovarian puncture or during the stimulation phase;
- Irritability and anxiety, which are already present whilst waiting for results.
Can fertility treatment continue as normal during a heatwave?
Yes. The heat alone does not justify interrupting or altering the treatment protocol. However, there are a number of guidelines to follow.
Any changes to your fertility treatment – for example, changing the time of an injection, missing a dose or reducing the dosage – must be approved by your medical team.
If in doubt, contact your medical coordinator before making a decision.
Tips for coping with a heatwave during fertility treatment in summer
Some of the advice given by Dr. Elena Santiago when summer temperatures rise includes:
- Drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Stay in cool rooms that are kept closed during the day and well-ventilated at night.
- Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Avoid synthetic fabrics.
- Eat lighter meals: small portions; avoid fatty and heavy dishes that slow down digestion.
- Take lukewarm (not cold) showers to avoid thermal shock.
- Elevate your legs at the end of the day if you feel heaviness. Compression stockings can also help.
Avoid going out during the hottest part of the day: between 12:00 and 16:00.
How can you protect IVF medication from the heat?
This is one of the most important points to bear in mind during a heatwave. The hormones used in infertility treatments are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Tips for protecting IVF medication from the heat:
- Check the storage temperature indicated on the box. Some medicines must be kept between 2 and 8 °C; others can be stored at room temperature, but not above 25 °C.
- Never leave your syringes or vials in a car, in a handbag exposed to the sun, or in a room that is too hot.
- Carry a cool bag with you if you need to travel.
- Take the medication out of the fridge just before the injection, not several hours beforehand.
- If you have any doubts about medication that has been exposed to excessive heat, do not use it without first calling your pharmacy or assisted reproduction clinic
This is why improper storage can reduce its effectiveness, even though this may not be visible to the naked eye.
Can you go on holiday whilst undergoing fertility treatment?
Yes, in most cases. Travelling is not incompatible with fertility treatment, provided it is planned well in advance.
Before you set off, remember: Take your prescriptions, your treatment log and your medical records with you.
- Arrange for a suitable storage solution during transport (cool bag, insulated case).
- Schedule follow-up appointments in advance if you are in the active phase of treatment.
- Find a nearby medical centre at your destination, just in case.
The heat at your destination is a factor you should take into account when making your arrangements. A destination with temperatures of 40 °C and no air conditioning may not be the best option whilst undergoing ovarian stimulation.
Do you need to rest completely in hot weather?
No. Complete rest is not necessary in most cases. The important thing is to adjust your pace without remaining completely still.
Moderate activity, in a cool room, is still possible and can even be beneficial. What you should avoid is intense physical exertion, prolonged exposure to the sun and going out during the hottest part of the day (between 12:00 and 16:00).
Treat yourself to short naps. Listen to your body. It’s a way of looking after yourself, not a sign of weakness.
Symptoms of heatstroke
There are certain signs you must not ignore. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Unusually intense tiredness, different from what you’re used to;
- Dizziness or feeling unwell;
- Intense and persistent headaches;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, very little urine;
- Fever, confusion or a feeling of intense discomfort.
If in doubt, call your fertility clinic or your doctor.
How does a heatwave affect your mood during fertility treatment?
Assisted reproduction is an emotionally intense process. A heatwave can exacerbate irritability, anxiety and sleep disturbances – three factors that already place a significant strain on this type of process.
Some tips for maintaining balance:
- Establish a calm evening routine: a lukewarm shower, a cool bedroom, and screens switched off 30 minutes before bed.
- Talk about what you’re going through with your partner, a loved one or a professional if necessary.
- Reduce non-essential sources of stress during periods of extreme heat.
- Don’t feel guilty about doing less. Adjusting your pace is a way of looking after yourself.
Frequently asked questions about heatwaves during fertility treatment in summer
Dr. Elena Santiago, a fertility specialist in Madrid, replies:
Can a heatwave compromise my IVF process?
No, not in itself. It can make managing treatments and maintaining physical wellbeing more difficult, but it does not jeopardise the process. The key is to ensure your medication is stored correctly and to listen to your body.
Can I keep my medication in the fridge if I’m not sure where it should be stored?
Only if the patient information leaflet or your fertility clinic recommends it. Some products cannot tolerate the cold. If in doubt, check the leaflet or call your pharmacy.
I’ve missed an injection because of the heat. What should I do?
Do not take the missed dose yourself or double the dose. Contact your medical coordinator straight away so they can tell you what to do.
Can I go out in the sun after an appointment at the fertility clinic?
Yes, but limit your exposure, stay hydrated and avoid the hottest part of the day. Pay attention to how you feel.
My treatment has got warm in the car. Can I still use it?
No, do not use it without checking first. Call your pharmacy or your assisted reproduction centre to find out if the medication is still safe to use.
Fertility treatments this summer at Vida Fertility
At Vida Fertility, we offer private consultations, both online and in person, at our assisted reproduction centres in Spain. No matter what stage of the treatment protocol you’re at, our team is on hand to answer your questions, assess your situation and support you every step of the way – we’re even open throughout August.
Vida Fertility Events
At Vida Fertility, we believe that feeling informed is the first step towards a more confident fertility journey.
Through our events, talks and private consultations, we help patients understand their options, ask questions and receive personalised guidance from our fertility specialists in Spain.
Discover our upcoming events and meet the Vida Fertility team.
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ℹ️ The information published on Vida Fertility is reviewed by our fertility specialists and medical team, following up-to-date scientific criteria and evidence-based medicine. Our team is a member at scientific societies such as SEF, ESHRE and SEGO.
