Heat exposure from thermal baths, fevers, and certain jobs can cause temporary genetic changes in sperm, such as chromatin alterations and chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy).
In the 1980s, there was little research on this topic, so as a precaution, doctors sometimes recommended abortion if a pregnancy occurred during or shortly after thermal contraception.
Since then, research has advanced. Similar sperm changes can happen with certain chemotherapy drugs, acne treatments, and heat-exposed professions like bakers and chefs.
Current recommendations for an unplanned pregnancy during thermal contraception
In 2022, a member of the French National Academy of Medicine and the Reference Center for Teratogenic Agents (CRAT) provided the following guidance:
"The risk is highly theoretical, since the development possibilities for eggs carrying chromosomal missegregation are very limited.
"The risk is highly theoretical, since the development possibilities for eggs carrying chromosomal missegregation are very limited. There is no need to propose termination of pregnancy, as the risks are very limited. The only thing to consider is prenatal diagnosis specifically designed to detect chromosomal number anomalies (blood marker tests with an early ultrasound scan at 12 weeks' gestation), and further prenatal diagnostics if the result is positive or doubtful."
Additionally, even if an affected sperm fertilizes an egg, implantation may not occur, and the embryo would likely be naturally expelled.
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