Ambient climatic conditions and semen quality: a comparative analysis across the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic
These results suggest that pandemic-related changes may have amplified biological vulnerability to climatic stressors. Overall, semen quality improved during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, our findings indicate that this period was uniquely characterized by increased climatic sensitivity of spermatogenesis. This may reflect altered environmental exposure and lifestyle behaviors, highlighting the complex interactions between public health crises, human behavior, and male reproductive health. Future studies should incorporate detailed indoor climate and occupational exposure data to elucidate these associations further.
Authors
- Y.H. Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3699-5471)
- Young Sik Choi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1157-4822)
- Yun Soo Chung (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9168-0408)
- So-Yeong Park (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2676-6886)
- Heeyon Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3128-8815)
- Seok Kyo Seo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3404-0484)
- Jin Kyung Baek (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7958-0436)
- Daewoo Pak (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8286-8409)
- Bo Hyon Yun (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5703-797X)
- Chungsoon Ryu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1196-5452)
- Yohan Ko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9456-0927)
- Jeongmi Yoon
Institutions
- Yonsei University (KR)
- Severance Hospital (KR)
- Gangnam Severance Hospital (KR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Frontiers in Endocrinology
- Published
- 2025-09-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2025.1660662
- Primary Topic
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Yonsei University
- Korea Meteorological Administration