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| - Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that wearing tight underwear reduces sperm count by 40%. We did a thorough fact check and termed this claim as half true.
The Claim
According to a post on X, “Wearing tight underwear increases scrotal temperature, and raising this temperature by just 1°C reduces sperm concentration by 40%.”
Fact Check
Does wearing tight underwear raise scrotal temperature?
Yes, wearing tight underwear can increase scrotal temperature. The scrotum keeps the testes cooler than the body’s core temperature, which is important for sperm production. Tight underwear, like briefs, can raise scrotal temperature by 0.5°C to 1°C. However, the impact of temperature on sperm health depends on the fabric, fit, and how long the underwear is worn. You might want to know the colour of strong and healthy sperm.
A 2018 study with 656 men at a fertility clinic showed that men who wore boxers had higher sperm counts and better test results than those who wore tight underwear. However, after adjusting for hormone levels, the benefits were less clear, indicating we still need more research.
Moreover, a 2007 study found that sitting for long periods and wearing tight underwear raised scrotal temperature, which could affect sperm quality. However, the link between sitting time and sperm quality wasn’t clear. Cooling the scrotum may help improve sperm quality.
Additionally, a 2005 study showed that tight underwear raised scrotal temperature more than loose or no underwear, while walking helped lower scrotal temperature compared to sitting.
A 2016 study followed 501 couples for 12 months to see how different types of underwear affected semen quality and time-to-pregnancy. Men who switched from briefs to boxers or no underwear at night showed small improvements in semen quality. However, these changes were inconsistent, and there was no link between underwear choice and how quickly couples got pregnant. Overall, the type of underwear worn didn’t seem to impact fertility or pregnancy time.
We spoke with Dr Suyash Bajoria, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, to learn whether tight underwear increases scrotal temperature. He says, “Wearing tight underwear and clothes definitely increases scrotal temperature above normal values. Studies have shown that scrotal temperatures are differentially lower in the left scrotum (compared to the right) in naked men as opposed to clothed men. Laptop usage on laps, prolonged cross-legged sitting, or extended sitting on heated/ventilated car seats raises scrotal temperatures to varying degrees.”
Dr Bajoria adds, “However, whether this increase in scrotal temperature detrimentally affects male infertility remains an open question. Conflicting reports exist, with some studies reporting a decrease in sperm quality, while others observe no significant negative effects on sperm health. Importantly, the effect of such temperature increases is not permanent. Whether a transient rise in scrotal temperature causes infertility or subfertility remains debatable.”
Does a 1°C rise in scrotal temperature reduce sperm concentration by 40%?
Not exactly. While increased scrotal temperature can affect sperm production, the 40% reduction claim lacks direct scientific backing. In fact, data from the 2018 study suggest that men who mostly wore boxers had 25% higher sperm concentration.
Research shows that prolonged heat exposure to the testes, such as from tight underwear or hot baths, can impair sperm production. A 2022 study found that environmental factors like air pollution, chemicals, and heat exposure can negatively affect semen quality, leading to male infertility. These factors reduce sperm count, motility, and quality. However, the study also highlights that these issues are modifiable, and lifestyle changes can help improve sperm health and fertility. Sperm concentration depends on various factors, including lifestyle, genetics, and overall health, not just temperature.
Is the impact of tight underwear on fertility permanent?
No, the effects are usually reversible if the heat exposure is reduced. Studies indicate that switching to looser underwear or addressing other heat-related factors can restore sperm production over time. The testes have the ability to recover once optimal temperature conditions are restored. This adaptability means that wearing tight underwear occasionally is unlikely to cause lasting harm to fertility for most men.
We reached out to Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, and General Physician from Navi Mumbai, for her expert views on the effects of tight underwear on sperm health. She clarifies, “The impact of tight underwear on fertility is not considered permanent. While wearing tight underwear can temporarily raise scrotal temperature, which may affect sperm production and quality, these changes are usually reversible. Once the contributing factors are addressed, such as switching to looser clothing, sperm health typically improves over time.”
Moreover, diet plays an important role too, in sperm health. It is helpful to know about foods which may increase sperm count.
Should all men avoid tight underwear for better sperm health?
Not necessarily, but those trying to conceive may benefit from looser options. For men concerned about fertility, switching to boxers instead of briefs may help keep scrotal temperatures cooler, potentially improving sperm quality. However, the evidence did not assess actual fertility or pregnancy outcomes. Experts agree that wearing looser underwear is a simple, low-risk adjustment that could benefit sperm quality, though its direct effect on fertility remains unclear. Additionally, habits like avoiding prolonged laptop use on the lap or sitting for long periods can further reduce scrotal heat. For men without fertility issues, wearing tight underwear is generally not harmful in the short term.
Previously, we have debunked claims which suggest onions for better sperm quality.
THIP Media Take
The claim that wearing tight underwear reduces sperm count by 40% is partially true but exaggerated. Tight underwear can raise scrotal temperature, which may affect sperm production, but the claim of a 40% reduction in sperm concentration from a 1°C rise lacks solid evidence. Other factors like overall health, lifestyle, and genetics also play significant roles in sperm health.
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