{"id":9848,"date":"2023-06-25T13:58:43","date_gmt":"2023-06-25T12:58:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exseedhealth.com\/?p=9848"},"modified":"2026-04-08T09:50:53","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:50:53","slug":"heat-damaging-sperm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exseedhealth.com\/fr\/heat-damaging-sperm\/","title":{"rendered":"Temp\u00e9rature Testicules: Effet Chaleur Spermatozo\u00efdes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is heat damaging your sperm? In humans, sperm production<\/a> is temperature dependent with normal testicular function requiring a temperature of 2\u20134\u00b0C below the general body temperature.\u00a0The testicles’ ability to hang lower when too warm and retreat when too cold regulates the scrotal temperature. The tissue surrounding the testicles (blood network, fat, skin) also regulates the temperature in the scrotal sack.<\/p>\n

Numerous external factors such as posture, clothing, lifestyle, fever<\/a> and season of the year \u2013 can affect the temperature of the scrotum and may have an impact on sperm quality if prolonged. Heat is one of the most common hidden factors, and it\u2019s listed alongside other easy-to-miss behaviours in our 9 surprising habits that could be damaging your sperm<\/a> guide.<\/p>\n

Heat is killing your sperm <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Several experimental studies show that an arti\ufb01cial increase in scrotum or testicle temperature can reduce both sperm count<\/a> and quality [1]<\/a>. This has increased the focus of researchers to understand the adverse effects of factors that may increase the scrotal temperature.<\/p>\n

Some studies show that males in certain occupations (bakers, mechanics, drivers) have a higher risk of decreased sperm quality. This is most likely because of increased testicular temperature. Along the same lines, a study from 2014 with 336 males revealed an association between self-reported occupational heat exposure and sperm DNA quality. The main finding was that males who were exposed to high temperatures and sat for more than six hours during work showed an increased sperm DNA damage [2]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What does heat do to sperm concentration and motility?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In a 2015 study researchers investigated how high testicular temperatures of 40-43\u00b0C affect semen parameters. The experiment included 40 minutes of heating for two days during a 3-month period for 19 healthy men. Researchers found that increased temperature reduced sperm concentration (From 73M\/ml to 42M\/ml) and sperm motility (71% to 25%) to about half of the initial values [3]<\/a>. Importantly, removing the heat stimulation improved the sperm parameters.<\/p>\n

In a similar study, five men wore specially designed underwear forcing the testicles to be pushed up for 15 hours a day for 120 days. The estimated increase on scrotal temperature for each participant was about 2\u00b0C. Sperm parameters (motility and total sperm count<\/a>) decreased after three weeks and remained low until the end of the experiment. These parameters returned to normal levels 73 days after the end of the experiment (see figure below) [4]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Figure 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Figure 1 shows a decline in sperm count during heat exposure in a group of men who wore a type of underwear that forced the testicles to be pushed up so they were not able to hang freely. Sperm count increased again after the participants stopped wearing the underwear on day 120 [4]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This finding is similar to a study which showed that men who wore tight underwear had a lower semen quality compared to those who wore loose underwear [5]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Keep your testicles cool<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Going through the scientific literature on heat and sperm we can conclude that heat exposure is a signi\ufb01cant risk factor for male infertility ie. heat damages sperm. Induced heat to the testicles can affect sperm count<\/a>, motility, and even genetic material. Especially occupational work where men are repeatedly subjected to abnormal situations may, in time, lower sperm motility and concentration. A lifestyle with tight underwear, exposure to heat from hot baths or cell phones, may also pose a risk factor for male infertility. The good thing is that it seems the negative effects are reversible! Remember, if you’re unsure about your sperm health, it’s a good idea to take a semen analysis such as a home sperm test<\/a> to get a better idea.<\/p>\n

Don’t let the heat kill your sperm! To allow for proper temperature control of the scrotal area, you should avoid:<\/strong><\/p>\n