Tight underwear, laptop on the Lap can reduce sperm quality- Experts warn

In a startling revelation, fertility experts have issued a warning against placing laptops on the thigh and wearing tight-fitting underwear, as these habits could potentially diminish sperm quality.

According to the experts, the heat generated by laptops can raise the temperature around the testicles, which can have detrimental effects on sperm production.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service highlights that low sperm count, medically known as oligozoospermia, is characterized by having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that approximately 17.5% of the global adult population, about one in six individuals, grapples with infertility.

Interestingly, the prevalence of infertility does not vary significantly between different regions or income groups, indicating that it poses a substantial global health challenge.

To address these concerns, fertility experts stress the importance of early diagnosis for poor sperm quality. Seeking medical assistance after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year without pregnancy is highly recommended.

Dr. Emma Oyibo, a Consultant Urologist at the Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, Nassarawa State, and Dr. Anas Rabiu Funtua, a Consultant Gynaecologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, highlight the impact of temperature on sperm storage and quality. They urge individuals to take care of their testicles, which are deliberately located outside the body to avoid excessive temperature.

They stated, “Genes might produce sperm with lower quality. Their storage is also impacted by specific temperatures. In this sense, their quality will decline if something warps their temperature.

“Similarly, aberrant sperm quality, quantity, or even both may result from their distribution, which may be an antibody or the channel they follow.

“There isn’t much that can be done to enhance sperm quality for people who have hereditary issues. They do have other choices, though, including harvesting the sperm and fusing it with an egg to create offspring. God placed the testicles outdoors on purpose to escape extreme heat.”

“Taking care of the testicles is essential. Things like placing computers on one’s lap and donning tight boxers raise the warmth of the testicles. Alcohol use, drug use, and smoking all have an impact on the number and quality of sperm. Sperm quality and quantity are also impacted by viral infections and non-prescription medication usage.”

In addition to external factors like temperature, various other contributors can affect sperm quality, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, infections, lifestyle choices like smoking and alcohol consumption, and the use of certain medications without medical supervision.

The experts also cite studies that highlight the potential risks of wearing tight underwear on sperm counts and hormone levels. Research conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that men who primarily wear boxers exhibited higher sperm concentration and total sperm counts compared to those wearing tight underwear.

Another study published in the Human Reproduction Update found that globally, the average sperm count has declined by 52% since 1973. The researchers observed that the decline seemed to accelerate in recent years.

Male factor infertility is a significant issue worldwide, with around 40% of all infertility cases attributed to it. Consequently, approximately 56% of infertile couples in developed countries seek medically assisted reproductive technology treatment to conceive.