Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

As heatwaves have become more frequent and intense across the globe, health experts are increasingly warning that soaring temperatures affect far more than physical health. While dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are common physiological effects of heatwaves, extreme heat can also take a significant toll on mental wellbeing.

Mental Health Toll Of Extreme Heat

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Samant Darshi, Consultant - Psychiatrist & Neuromodulation Expert, Psymate Healthcare, Noida, about the psychological impact of extreme heat.

In hot weather, the human body constantly works to maintain a stable internal temperature. During periods of extreme heat, this process becomes increasingly challenging, placing considerable strain on both the body and brain.

Dr Darshi explains, “The high temperatures during heat waves can have a strong influence on not only physical but also the psychological state of people. The hot weather causes irritation, nervousness, stress, and frustration. Sleep disturbance associated with the hot weather only complicates the process of keeping a good mood.”

Living in higher temperatures is slowly becoming the new norm in several countries. With climate change driving longer and more intense heat events, understanding the psychological impact of extreme heat has become more important than ever.

Extreme Heat Can Worsen Serious Mental Health Issues

Additionally, research has shown that prolonged exposure to heat can worsen stress, anxiety, irritability, and even increase the risk of severe mental health crises. Moreover, people's ability to think logically is affected by heat; memory, attention, and overall productivity decrease in extreme temperatures.

Dr Darshi says, “People with some pre-existing mental health conditions (depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, etc.) can suffer from worsening their symptoms during prolonged heatwaves. The side effects of some medications that are used for the treatment of mental illnesses include the disturbance of the processes of thermoregulation in the organism.”

High temperatures can also disrupt sleep, hamper hormone levels, and affect neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in regulating mood. Sleep deprivation, a common consequence of hot nights, can further intensify emotional distress, making people feel more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed.

Heatwaves Drives Isolation

As temperatures soar, people generally avoid stepping out, becoming increasingly secluded. Lack of social interactions triggers the brain’s primal ‘survival threat’ alarm, which can lead to excessive stress, poor emotional regulation, and increased risk of anxiety and depression.

It especially affects older people and other vulnerable groups. Social isolation can cause psychological problems in terms of loneliness and depression. In extreme cases, prolonged exposure to heat causes aggression, self-harm, and other mental health crises.

How To Protect Your Mental Wellbeing During A Heatwave

While one has little to no control over the weather, certain measures can help reduce the mental strain caused by extreme heat:

• Staying hydrated throughout the day.

• Keeping indoor spaces cool using fans, curtains, or air conditioning where possible.

• Avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest hours.

• Prioritizing good sleep hygiene and keep bedrooms as cool as possible.

• Checking in regularly with family members, friends, and neighbours, particularly those living alone.

• Seek professional support if feelings of anxiety, depression, or distress become overwhelming.

Leptospirosis gained attention after its cases surged in Kerala recently. The infection has also been reported in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The bacterial infection typically spreads via contact with water or soil that has been contaminated by the urine of animals infected with leptospirosis, especially during floods.

As monsoons are right at our doors, know why it is important to detect and nab dangerous infections like leptospirosis early.

What Is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial infection sometimes called the "rat fever" because it can cause symptoms similar to the typical symptoms of common viral infections, which may not be noticeable in the early stages. It is caused by the bacteria of the genus Leptospira that are excreted in the urine of infected animals, including rats, cattle, dogs, and pigs.

In the monsoon season, there is a risk of waterlogging and contaminated animal urine mixing with floodwater and soil. Infestation occurs through direct contact with contaminated water or mud on cuts or abrasions or on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and eyes. Those involved in outdoor work, sanitation, farming, construction, or who are walking in flooded streets are especially at risk.

Combating Leptospirosis In Monsoon

Health and Me spoke to Dr. Sundar Krishnan, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine, KIMS Hospital, Thane, about how to tackle leptospirosis this monsoon.

Dr. Krishnan says, “In the early stages, it may have flu-like symptoms, and that makes early recognition challenging. Symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, chills, very severe headache, muscle pain especially in the calves and lower back, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and red eyes.”

The expert also said that occasionally, the patient may also have abdominal pain or diarrhea. He also says it can escalate quickly to jaundice, kidney failure, difficulty breathing, meningitis, internal bleeding, or multi-organ failure and can require immediate medical care.

Dr. Krishnan recommends several prevention tips to tackle leptospirosis in monsoon:

• Avoiding contact with contaminated water by staying out of flooded areas whenever possible.

• Wearing waterproof boots and gloves for extra protection.

• Covering cuts or wounds with waterproof dressings before entering flood water.

• Maintaining good personal hygiene, washing hands and feet extensively after contact with flooded and stagnant water.

• Getting out of wet clothes as soon as possible.

• Taking measures for proper waste disposal to control rat infestation.

• Raising awareness and educating the public about the risk of leptospirosis during the rainy season.

If leptospirosis is diagnosed early and treated with antibiotics, recovery is much quicker, avoiding life-threatening complications. But if detection and treatment are delayed, the kidneys, liver, lungs, and even the brain may be affected.

The expert advises that people who are ill after being exposed to flood water and are facing fever or flu-like symptoms for more than two days should also seek medical help as soon as possible, informing their doctor about their flood water exposure.

Even though the risk of leptospirosis is high during the monsoon, the best way to steer clear of this infection is to educate the masses about its symptoms and prevention. Early clinical intervention can help de-escalate the situation promptly.

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints and are often caused by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, excessive screen time, skipped meals, or other lifestyle factors. While most headaches are benign, experts said that frequent or unusual headaches should not be ignored, as they may signal an underlying medical condition that requires evaluation.

The experts told HealthandMe that paying attention to changes in headache frequency, pattern, and associated symptoms can help identify when medical attention is necessary.

Increasing Frequency Is a Warning Sign

According to Dr. Rajneesh Kummar, Vice Chairman & Unit Head, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, one of the most common concerns is increasing frequency.

“If someone who previously experienced occasional headaches starts getting them several times a week or finds that painkillers are needed more often than before, it is worth getting evaluated,” he told HealthandMe.

“People should seek medical attention if they have headaches more than 10 to 15 days a month, if the headaches are getting worse, or if they are beginning to interfere with work, daily activities, or quality of life,” added Dr. Praveen Gupta, Chairman, MAIINS, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram. He also noted that medication-overuse headaches can result from taking painkillers regularly, leading to a cycle of recurrent pain.

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Watch For Changes In Headache Pattern

A change in the pattern of headaches should not be ignored. Dr. Kummar said a headache that feels different from what a person has experienced in the past, particularly after the age of 50, deserves medical attention. Headaches that wake a person from sleep, are worse in the early morning, or are associated with vomiting should also be assessed further.

Dr. Gupta advised prompt medical evaluation for people over the age of 50 who develop a new type of headache. He also recommends seeing a doctor if a person has a history of cancer, a weakened immune system, or develops a headache after a head injury.

Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Attention

The neurologists highlight several "red flag" symptoms that require urgent medical assessment. They advised immediate consultation if a headache is accompanied by

• weakness on one side of the body,
• difficulty speaking,
• double vision,
• confusion, seizures,
• loss of consciousness,
• Numbness
• balance problems

Read More:Sepsis: India Joins Global Trial To Screen Newborns For Deadly Drug-Resistant Infections

Not Every Headache Is a Brain Tumor

Dr. Kummar stated that many people worry that every headache is related to a brain tumor or another serious brain disorder. Fortunately, this is rarely the case.

However, persistent or unusual headaches should not be self-diagnosed, and timely consultation helps identify the cause and ensures appropriate treatment before the problem begins affecting quality of life, the expert said.

Early Diagnosis Key

Dr. Gupta told HealthandMe that early diagnosis can help manage common neurological disorders such as migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic tension-type headaches. A thorough history, neurological examination, and imaging studies, when appropriate, can help determine the cause.

The experts emphasize that if headaches are becoming more frequent, changing in patterns, or affecting daily life, it is time to consult a neurologist. Early diagnosis can provide relief, prevent complications, and improve overall quality of life.