Wearing underwear that is too tight can also cause infertility. If underwear is too tight, it not only lacks breathability but also presses the testicles tightly against the perineum, preventing the scrotum from relaxing. Combined with prolonged sitting, over time the scrotum's internal temperature rises, leading to issues such as abnormal sperm, sperm death, and reduced sperm motility within the scrotum.So, what kind of underwear is best for men?
Can tight underwear cause infertility in men?
"First, it exerts pressure on the reproductive system, hindering the development of adolescent genitalia. Second, since testicular temperature is typically 1-2 degrees Celsius lower than body temperature, tightly-fitting underwear raises testicular temperature. This affects sperm vitality and quality, reducing fertility rates," experts explain.
Current men's underwear lacks health-conscious design elements. Whether briefs or boxers, they merely alter shape.Men's underwear designs treat the scrotum and penis as indistinguishable entities, tightly encasing both within double layers of fabric. This restricts airflow and presses the testicles firmly against the perineum, stripping the scrotum of its natural ability to expand and contract. Confined long-term in a cramped space, the scrotum loses its self-regulating function, becomes poorly ventilated,causing internal temperature to rise. This leads to sperm abnormalities, necrosis, and reduced motility within the scrotum, making it a primary culprit threatening male fertility. The infertility epidemic now terrifying many young European men is significantly linked to their preference for fashionable, tight-fitting underwear.
What kind of underwear is best for men?
1. Avoid underwear that is too small or too tight
Many men prefer snug, tight-fitting underwear, but this practice is actually detrimental. Tight underwear tightly "encases" the penis and testicles, hindering normal penile erection while forcing the testicles to press against the abdominal wall. This significantly impairs the testicles' natural temperature regulation.The optimal temperature for testicles should be 2–3°C below body temperature. Elevated testicular temperature impedes sperm production. Combined with restricted blood flow, this severely affects fragile, sensitive sperm.Wearing dark or overly patterned underwear may delay detection of abnormalities, potentially worsening the condition. 3. Avoid synthetic materials A study reported that after wearing synthetic or half-cotton/half-synthetic underwear for 14 months, men experienced reduced sperm counts.The likely cause is that synthetic underwear has poor breathability and sweat absorption, leading to increased testicular temperature, which is detrimental to sperm production.
How should men choose appropriate underwear?
1. Fabric is crucial.
After 20 years of research, Egyptian medical doctor Shafik discovered that synthetic underwear may cause oligospermia in men.Data indicates that nearly 40% of men wearing pure polyester underwear experienced a significant decrease in sperm count after 14 months, while approximately 9% of men wearing cotton-polyester blend underwear saw a decline after 10 months. In contrast, those wearing pure cotton underwear showed no changes in semen parameters.
Studies confirm polyester underwear elevates testicular temperature and lowers plasma hormone levels, inducing oligospermia and infertility. Synthetic polyester fabrics generate static electric fields within penile tissue, weakening sexual function and potentially causing low libido.
2. Pure cotton underwear absorbs sweat easily
For individuals who are overweight or prone to excessive sweating—especially frequent drivers—pure cotton underwear may increase the risk of skin conditions like eczema or prickly heat. While cotton absorbs sweat well, it dries slowly. Persistent dampness can foster bacterial growth, potentially causing redness, swelling, and itching in the perineal area.
3. Underwear must fit snugly yet comfortably
Otherwise, it can cause numerous problems.Clinical observations reveal that many men experience penile deformation with varying degrees of curvature. Investigation often points to tight underwear as a contributing factor. Under prolonged compression from restrictive underwear, penile curvature becomes inevitable.
Some prefer dark-colored underwear, yet overlook that dyes are concoctions of multiple chemicals, often containing some toxicity. As for excessively white underwear, it may be over-bleached, potentially triggering allergies.