Does wearing tight pants or underwear like tighty-whities affect sperm count?
– Carson*

Although some studies have shown a decrease in sperm count from wearing tight-fitting underwear, others have not.

The testicles may seem like they just get in the way sometimes. But the main reason why "the boys" are on the outside of the body is because the body's internal temperature of 98.6° Fahrenheit is too hot for sperm production. So by "hanging out," the scrotum keeps sperm a few degrees cooler. Too much heat can lower sperm count (but not enough to act as a form of birth control). So if a guy's clothing is tight to the point that it turns his pants into an oven and his biscuits are getting burnt, in theory it may affect his sperm count.

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007

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*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

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