How does temperature affect sperm production?A cooler temperature in the testis is necessary for sperm production. Outside the body, in the scrotum, the testes are between 3 to 5ºC below normal body temperature. The lower temperature in the scrotum is achieved by special mechanisms that cool the blood coming into the testis.
Illness with fever can temporarily reduce sperm production. The sperm production problems of men who have had undescended testes, are also thought to be caused by the time the testes were exposed to higher temperatures inside the body.
When the testes are exposed to significant external heat on a regular basis, such as the excessive use of hot baths, spas and saunas, sperm production can also be reduced.
There is ongoing debate about the effect of underwear styles on sperm production, and whether or not looser (cooler) boxer shorts should be preferred over tighter (warmer) briefs. Some research has suggested that wearing tight underwear may decrease sperm counts, although this finding has not been proven in other studies.  Back to top
How can problems with over-heating of the testis be overcome?Doctors usually suggest that patients with lower than normal sperm counts keep away from hot baths and tight-fitting clothing. Wearing boxer shorts may be recommended.
The number of sperm produced will generally increase once the temperature of the scrotum remains constantly at its normal lower level. However, since it takes about 70 days for sperm to develop, it may take a few months of keeping the testes cooler for the number of sperm produced to improve.
 Download: Male Infertility fact sheet PDF (61kb)
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