Will taking a hot bath kill sperm? Are these seven folk legends credible?

1. There is little difference between briefs and boxer pants

Many people believe that wearing briefs will increase the temperature of the scrotum and harm sperm compared to wearing boxer briefs. This worry is actually unnecessary. In 1998, New York University conducted a study and found that no matter what kind of underwear you wear, the effect on the scrotum is similar. Experts suggest that you don't need to spend too much time choosing the style of underwear, but instead let the scrotum ventilate and breathe more.

2. Don’t put your laptop on your lap

In 2005, a New York University study found that using a laptop on the lap for a long time can significantly increase the temperature of the scrotum. However, scientists are still studying whether the radio waves emitted by electronic devices such as mobile phones or music players have an adverse effect on sperm. The safer way is to try not to put them in your pants pockets for a long time.

3. Hot water bath is a taboo

Hot showers and saunas are both "murderers" that can clearly affect the quantity and quality of sperm. Generally, once a week is a more appropriate frequency.

4. Obesity

The impact of being overweight on testicular function is mainly reflected in two aspects: first, testosterone in obese people will be converted into estradiol, which will affect the number and quality of sperm; on the other hand, excessive fat tissue near the testicles will also lead to increased scrotal temperature. Therefore, if you want to improve sperm quality, losing weight is imperative.

5. Anesthetics

Studies have shown that drugs such as anesthetics can damage male endocrine, and long-term use of painkillers can also produce this side effect. Therefore, even over-the-counter drugs should be taken with caution.

6. Eating red meat does not affect sperm quality

Researchers analyzed multiple previous trials and found no clear evidence to support the relationship between the two. But the best option is to eat more fish.

7. Aging

As men age, the quantity and quality of their sperm decrease. If both parents are older, the risk of their newborns suffering from Down syndrome and schizophrenia increases. But overall, aging does not affect men as much as it does women, and men in their seventies and eighties can still be fathers.