By Michael Gwarisa
Tight underwear, boxers or pants generate so much heat that could literary overheat the sperm and compromise sperm quality, a top Obstetrician and researcher, has warned.
His warning comes in the wake of evidence of a notable increase in the prevalence of infertility in men over the years, amid a growing fashion trend where slim-fit or tight-fitting clothes have become trendy.
Data from a cross-section study by Dr Mugove Madziyire et al which explored “The causes of infertility in women presenting to gynecology clinics in Harare, Zimbabwe” shows that 50 of infertility cases are prevalent in men.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr Madziyire said while it’s fashionable, wearing tight-fitting pants was one of the risk factors in male infertility.
Yes, wearing tight-fitting pants and trousers can affect sperm quality for the mere reason that the testicles where sperm are produced are supposed to be hanging and cool. That’s is why all testicles are down below in a handing manner, it is for a cooling effect,” said Dr Madziyire.
He added the natural position of the testicles in all animals was to ensure efficient sperm production under conducive conditions.
“If they are too high, it’s hotter and sperm production doesn’t work nicely. So that will be the effect which happens in those who wear tight-fitting pants. First, they lift them up and expose them to abdominal temperatures, which then affects the sperm production mechanism. And also it’s too tight and there is also friction.”
He discouraged men from wearing more than one underwear at once or wearing underwear and boxers at once (Kuvirikikidza) as it also generates heats that can also affect sperm production and sperm quality.
“Then other things which also can affect sperm quality is hot water baths or lying in the water baths for too long, that’s exposing the testicles to a very high temperature for too long. The best is to always keep the testicles exposed in a cooler environment so that sperm production is not hindered,” said Dr Madziyire.
Meanwhile, he urged men to exercise regularly, make sure they’re not overweight, drink moderately or mildly and avoid smoking to improve Sperm quality.
Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published today by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need.
