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| - Last Updated on January 10, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A viral Instagram video claims that exposing the genitals to the sun can improve fertility. Our fact check reveals this claim is false.
The Claim
An Instagram video boldly declares, “Our genitals belong in the sun!” It claims that sunlight exposure to male genitals boosts androsterone levels, improving mood, metabolism, and attractiveness. The video also suggests red light exposure to women’s ovaries increases fertility and states that human sperm contains opsin, enabling it to detect light. It further blames modern clothing, especially polyester, for rising fertility issues, claiming it keeps genitals “locked in the dark.”
Fact Check
Do our genitals belong in the sun?
No, they don’t. Exposing your genitals to the sun is not safe and can lead to health issues. While sunlight is good for boosting vitamin D, direct exposure to sensitive areas like the genitals can do more harm than good. The skin in this region is delicate and lacks enough melanin to shield against UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and even genital tumours.
For men, the scrotum needs to stay cooler than the rest of the body for healthy sperm production, but sun exposure raises its temperature, potentially harming fertility. There’s no evidence that sunning genitals has any health benefits, and you can easily get vitamin D from food or supplements. To stay safe, protect sensitive areas with sunscreen or clothing when outdoors.
We asked Dr Almas Fatma, MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, and General Physician from Navi Mumbai, whether our genitals belong in the sun and if they can really improve fertility. She clarifies, “There’s no scientific basis for the claim that exposing the genitals to the sun can improve fertility. While sunlight is important for overall health, particularly for vitamin D production, there’s no evidence to support that it directly boosts fertility or hormone levels in such a specific way. As for the idea that modern clothing, like polyester, causes fertility issues, it’s an oversimplification. Many factors, including age, lifestyle, and overall health, influence fertility, not just what you wear or how much sunlight your genitals get.”
Does sunlight exposure to male genitals increase androsterone levels and improve attractiveness?
No, exposing male genitals to sunlight does not increase androsterone levels or enhance attractiveness. Androsterone, a hormone linked to body odour, is not affected by sunlight. While sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, it doesn’t impact androsterone. Attractiveness depends on factors like genetics, personality, and social traits, not sunbathing your genitals.
Although sunlight can improve sexual wellness by boosting hormone levels, as shown in a 2021 study, exposing sensitive areas like the genitals to direct sunlight is not recommended. The medical community and scientific research, including a 2022 study, do not support this trend. While UVB exposure may enhance sexual behavior, the risks of sunburn, skin damage, and fertility issues far outweigh any potential benefits. It’s safer to protect sensitive areas from direct sun exposure.
Can red light exposure to ovaries improve fertility?
Unlikely. There is no scientific basis to support the claim that red light exposure to women’s ovaries can improve fertility. Red light therapy is being studied for various uses, such as improving skin health and reducing inflammation, but its role in fertility remains unproven.
Fertility is a complex process which depends on many factors like age, hormonal balance, and overall health. Oversimplifying it to suggest that red light can directly improve ovarian function ignores the complex biological mechanisms involved in reproduction.
Does sperm contain opsin, allowing it to detect light?
Not exactly. Opsin is a protein found in the retina that helps detect light. While some research suggests the presence of opsin-like proteins in sperm, this does not mean sperm can “see” or respond to light like the eyes do.
In a 2024 study, researchers discovered that opsins in sperm don’t sense light but instead detect temperature, guiding sperm towards eggs. Similarly, a 2020 study revealed that sperm contain rhodopsin and melanopsin, which also sense temperature rather than light. However, unlike in the eyes, both opsins coexist in the same sperm cell but function through different pathways.
The role of opsin in sperm remains unresolved, and there is no evidence to suggest it affects fertility through light detection. The claim in the video misrepresents the current understanding of this protein’s function.
Does modern clothing, like polyester, cause fertility issues?
Not exactly. Modern fabrics like polyester are not directly linked to fertility problems. Fertility issues arise due to various factors, including age, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental influences.
For instance, a 1993 study on dogs found that polyester underwear could reduce sperm count and motility, likely due to increased testicular temperature. However, the effect was reversible once the polyester was removed. It’s important to note that this study was conducted on dogs, not humans.
In males, tight underwear can raise scrotal temperature, which may temporarily affect sperm production. However, it’s not the material itself causing the issue. Loose, breathable fabrics help maintain the optimal conditions for sperm health. Many factors influence male fertility, not just underwear. As for females, while tight clothing may impact comfort and circulation, there’s no clear evidence linking fabric type to fertility. Therefore, blaming polyester for fertility problems is an oversimplification.
We spoke with Dr Suyash Bajoria, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, about whether modern clothing like polyester affects fertility. He says, “Tight clothing can raise scrotal temperature, which might affect sperm health temporarily. However, there’s no clear evidence that this causes long-term fertility problems. While tight or non-breathable fabrics like polyester may have a small impact, they aren’t a major cause of infertility.”
THIP Media Take
The claim that exposing the genitals to the sun can improve fertility is false and contradicts current evidence. While sunlight has general health benefits, it is not a magical solution for fertility or attractiveness. There is no scientific evidence supporting the idea that exposing the genitals to sunlight or using red light therapy significantly boosts fertility or sperm health.
For fertility concerns, always rely on proven medical advice and consult healthcare professionals.
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