Does the underwear you wear affect your sperm count?

Now, concentrate

The recent study by the scientific journal, Human Reproduction, looked at ‘sperm concentration,’ which is the number of sperm per millileter of semem, one of the few standard measuring tools in male fertility.

The study showed that men who wear boxer shorts with a looser fit, have higher levels of sperm concentration than men who wear tight-fitting briefs. But there’s more!

Brief encounters

However, guys who preferred briefs, had higher levels of a hormone that stimulates sperm production. So, if you’re a ‘briefs guys’, chances are you’ll be making more sperm than your boxer-clad bros. Does that mean that guys who wear briefs cum more?

There was nothing in the study that measured the amount of semen, or semen flow, so the jury is out on that particular gem of science at the moment. How much somebody cums depends on a huge range of factors. If you’re ‘producing’ more than 1.5ml per ejaculation, you’re within normal levels. But back to the study…

It’s important to say that the study doesn’t imply that underpants are a cause of infertility. Fertility is much more complicated, and it isn’t measured in the study at all. But balls are balls for a good reason…

Balls to that

The reason that our testicles hang outside of our body is because sperm creation is most efficient at 34 degrees C. Think of your balls as having their own special blood-cooling system. Here are some quotes from proper scientists, in case you think we’re just talking bollocks. Dr Richard Quinton from Newcastle University, talking to CNN, said:

“It’s been standard advice given to men in fertility clinics throughout the world that they wear loose fitting underwear and avoid taking hot baths.”

But according to Sheena Lewis, Emeritus Professor of Reproductive Medicine at  Queen’s University Belfast the kind of underwear you choose isn’t going to have a massive effect anyway. She questioned “the use of underwear type as a scientific way of measuring scrotal heat.” She said:

“The most important take home message from this study is that neither boxer shorts, jockeys nor bikinis led to a drop in sperm counts below the normal range.”

So, wear whatever you want. But, if you’re aiming to be a father, perhaps switch to boxers for a while. Every little helps!