Heat damages male fertility; based in research or wives tale?

This one is firmly in the camp of FACT. Too much heat around the genitals has been described as a “substantial risk factor” for male infertility.

 

Whats the problem with heat?

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Sperm are fussy about temperature.

Spermatogenesis - the process of creating sperm - is temperature dependent.  Sperm development occurs at its best at temperatures slightly cooler than the body, hence the testicles clever little cooling system - their ability to rise and lower to self regulate in different temperatures.  Exposure to high temperatures can slow or stop the process of sperm development.

How else can heat impact sperm?

Research has shown that along with impacted sperm production, high temperatures can cause lower semen parameters, cause oxidative stress and increase sperm DNA damage.

Avoiding heat; where the reserach has landed 

According to recent studies, it’s recommend you;

  • Avoid sitting for long periods of time

  • Avid cyclist? Consider hanging up the bib and brace while preparing to conceive. Research has shown that sperm parameters were negatively impacted in non-professional cyclists, with changes still present after four weeks of recovery.

  • Boxers over briefs? There is evidence both for and against wearing boxers over briefs. If sperm parameters could do with improvement, its seems like a simple change.

  • Consider your body fat levels - research from 2018 suggests that men with higher scrotal fat levels had increased testicle temperatures leading to oxidative stress and damage to sperm.

  • Take a break from saunas and spas.

  • Keep your laptops off your lap. While there are limited reports on this, a 2005 study evaluated the scrotal temperature in 29 healthy volunteers in two separate hour long sessions. This research concluded that using a laptop computer on the lap causes significant scrotal temperature elevation due to heat exposure and posture-related effects.

Cycling appears to have a negative and lasting impact on sperm parameters.

Cycling appears to have a negative and lasting impact on sperm parameters.

The impact of cooling

Surely, if heat damages sperm, cooling improves sperm? An older study from 2001 found that men with poor semen parameters frequently had scrotal temperatures over 35.5 C.  Researchers conducted research using a night time cooling system designed to decrease the temperature of participants genitals. They saw significant improvement in sperm motility, morphology and count after 12 weeks of night-time genital cooling via a cool air system.  Before you’re tempted - its an interesting theory and there does appear to be some evidence but still requires more research.

What else can I do for my sperm health?

Plenty. Check out our men’s suite.



I am a manJenna Mcdonaldsperm health