The scorching heat that comes along with summer can be a drag. But did you know that heatwaves can do more damage than just making you uncomfortable? They can also impact your sex life in several ways – from diminishing libido to messing with fertility.

Climate change has brought about increased temperatures across the globe, meaning that heatwaves are becoming more frequent. Here’s how it affects our sexual health.

Heat and Libido

Sweating profusely and feeling lethargic is never a recipe for romance. High temperatures can leave us feeling drained and dehydrated, and when we’re not feeling our best physically, our libido may decrease.

According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, people living in hotter areas of the world report lower sex drive than those living in cooler climates. This is likely due to the fact that high temperatures cause our bodies to sweat more, leaving us feeling less attractive and less inclined to get intimate.

Sunburn and Skin Irritation

If you’ve ever spent too much time in the sun without proper protection, you’ll be familiar with the painful consequences. Sunburn can make even basic tasks like moving uncomfortable, so imagine how it affects sex.

Trying to get intimate when your skin is sore and tender is no fun at all. Additionally, heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for yeast infections, which can cause itchiness and soreness in the genital area.

Dehydration and Vaginal Dryness

When the weather is hot and we’re sweating more, we lose fluids faster than usual. As a result, our bodies become dehydrated, which can lead to vaginal dryness.

This might not seem like a big deal, but it can be incredibly uncomfortable and painful during sex. What’s more, a dry vagina increases the likelihood of abrasions and tears, which can create a breeding ground for infections.

Heat and Fertility

For couples trying to conceive, heatwaves can spell bad news. Research has shown that exposure to high temperatures can reduce sperm count and mobility, making it more difficult for couples to get pregnant.

What’s more, high temperatures can cause problems for women too, affecting the quality of their eggs and making it harder to conceive. If you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s best to avoid hot weather as much as possible and keep cool in air-conditioned spaces.

Heat and Sleep

When the temperature climbs, many of us struggle to get a good night’s sleep. And when we’re tired, we’re less likely to be in the mood for sex.

Heatwaves can cause us to wake up multiple times during the night, leaving us feeling groggy and foggy-headed the next day. This can have a negative impact on our sex lives, as it’s difficult to get in the mood when we’re not feeling our best.

How to Stay Safe During Heatwaves

Whether you’re sexually active or not, it’s important to take precautions during heatwaves to avoid health problems. Here are some tips:.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and cool.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and prevent rashes.
Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible.
Reduce physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Use protection during sex to prevent infections and unwanted pregnancy.

The Bottom Line

Heatwaves can be a real buzzkill, but by taking the necessary precautions, you can still enjoy a healthy sex life.

Drinking plenty of water, staying in air-conditioned spaces, and using protection during sex are all important steps to stay safe during hot weather. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or pain during sex, it’s important to seek medical attention.