Q: I’ve heard that wearing tight underwear, sitting in a hot tubs or taking certain painkillers can lower a man’s sperm count. Is there any truth to these claims? What factors are proven to affect sperm count?
Answer from Dr. Peter H. R. Roberts, medical director of obstetrics and gynecology at Providence Portland Medical Center: The most common causes of low sperm count are temporary and treatable. Research has shown that emotional or physical stress, cigarette smoking or heavy alcohol consumption can affect sperm production and male fertility. Sperm counts usually return to normal levels after such lifestyle issues are addressed.
Warnings about hot tubs and tight underwear are generally overstated. While it is true that excessive heat within the testes can affect sperm production, the occasional use of hot tubs, saunas and whirlpools should pose no problem if exposure is limited to short periods of time. Similarly, there is no evidence to suggest that wearing jockey shorts elevates temperatures enough to make a difference in sperm production.
I’m not aware of any established link between the use of painkillers and a reduction in sperm count. Active research is always taking place into the possible effects of individual medications and anesthetic agents on normal body functions such as reproduction, so you may wish to check with your health care provider if you have a question about a specific prescription or over-the-counter item.
Less common conditions that could contribute to low sperm count include varicocele (a condition affecting the veins of the testicle), testosterone deficiencies and certain autoimmune disorders that cause the body’s defenses to attack developing sperm. Your health care provider can help you determine if testing for such conditions is warranted.
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Last reviewed August 2004
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