HIGH temperatures due to climate change are significantly associated with adverse outcomes in women’s reproductive and sexual health, a new systematic review has found.
Measuring Climate Change Exposures
Muayad Saud Albadrani, author of the study, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia, identified more than 3,500 records, selecting 12 observational studies for the review.
He assessed exposures using direct meteorological measures, such as temperature, seasonality, and altitude, and subjective perceptions of climate change.
Specific Reproductive Impacts of Climate Change
High temperatures were significantly associated with reduced ovarian reserve, lower fertility rates, and diminished reproductive decision-making.
Regarding ovarian reserve measured by antral follicle count, researchers expressed concern over potential accelerated reproductive ageing worldwide.
The systematic review found that fertility is particularly negatively affected in regions where monthly maximum temperatures exceed 15-20°C.
Notably, no significant decision-making effect was observed in terms of the use of contraceptives.
Further, extreme weather events were linked to negative social consequences, like forced marriages.
Specific regional climates, such as the Mediterranean, were associated with premature menopause.
Climate change concerns were also reported to influence reproductive intentions.
For example, eco-anxiety reportedly influences decisions to have smaller families.
Alternatively, higher latitude correlated with lower fertility rates, with the highest fertility rates found in countries that experience average winter temperatures of approximately 21°C.
Preparing for Escalating Weather Events
Albadrani stressed the substantial negative outcomes associated with winter cold or rising temperatures in the sphere of women’s reproductive and sexual health.
He made an urgent call for enhanced public health strategies that address women’s particular vulnerabilities in the face of escalating climate influences, alongside longitudinal studies to establish causality.
Results can be leveraged to promote such policies, which should target the underlying causes of climate change with a view to improving reproductive health, particularly in vulnerable regions.
The study, Albadrani reported, can help healthcare professionals better prepare for the potential health risks that come with climate change.
Reference
Albadrani MS. The impacts of climate change on women’s reproductive and sexual health: a systematic review. Reprod Health. 2026;DOI:10.1186/s12978-026-02375-0.
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