Authors: S. Huber¹; M. Fieder²; B. Wallner³; K. Iber²; G. Moser²

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 19, Number 2, February 2004 , pp. 445-447(3)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: At high latitudes the external environment varies with season, and therefore the season of birth may contribute to the developmental processes during the perinatal period. METHODS: We investigated the association between birth season and measures of reproductive performance (offspring count, percentage childless individuals) in a contemporary sample of women and men. RESULTS: In the male sample (n = 2342), men born in autumn had fewer offspring (mean 1.4 versus 1.62; P < 0.01) and a higher probability of remaining childless (32.6% versus 25.6%; P = 0.01) than men born in spring. The photoperiod at a male’s birth was significantly positively correlated with his subsequent offspring count (P = 0.023). In the female sample, an association between birth season and reproduction was not found. CONCLUSIONS: We assume that in men, among other seasonal factors, pre- or perinatal photoperiod might be involved in the underlying physiological mechanism.

Keywords: : fertility rate/offspring count/photoperiod/repro

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh072

Affiliations: 1: Department of Zoology, University of Vienna, Vienna, 2: Rector’s Office, University of Vienna, Vienna, 3: Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna,

Publication date: 2004-02-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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