Fertility expert dispels myth of boxers over briefs for higher sperm count

THERE are eight things you can do to keep your sperm in peak condition - and wearing boxer shorts isn't one of them.

Don't stress about your underwear choice, boys - briefs or boxers make no difference to sperm count, a fertility expert claims. Photo Adam Armstrong. Source: News Limited A Queensland fertility expert confirms there is no concrete evidence to support the theory that "shooting the breeze'' in boxers, not briefs, boosts sperm quality. Dr David Molloy, Medical Director of Queensland Fertility Group, said male factor infertility affects about half of all infertile couples. "It is important to understand how the male reproductive system works, and dispel some common myths and misconceptions," Dr Molloy said. "One I hear all the time is that tight underpants are bad for a man's sperm count. "There is no concrete evidence that wearing underpants instead of boxer shorts causes poor quality sperm. This common fertility myth is based on the fact that sperm do not like high temperatures. But basically maximising sperm quality essentially comes down to common sense - healthy men produce healthy sperm,'' he said.

The fertility doctor has some realistic recommendations for men keen to be dads:

1. Sperm do not like high temperatures and it's best to avoid having regular hot baths and saunas. 2. If you want champion swimmers you should keep weight stable, as being overweight can disrupt sex hormone production and recommend to buy Athletic Underwear for Men. 3. To ensure peak mobility and avoid DNA damage, skip cigarettes, drugs, steroids, sexual lubricants and limit alcohol intake. 4. If you have a desk job, get up and move around regularly. 5. Have frequent sex to ensure sperm is not in prolonged storage in the epididymis. 6. Eat antioxidant-rich food such as berries, pumpkin seeds, colourful vegetables and green tea, and consider a multivitamin supplement with high levels of antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E. Antioxidants protect sperm from free radical damage, which can occur during storage in the testes. 7. Avoid naturopathic products that have components with an estrogenic action as they suppress sperm production. 8. Know your medications. Treatments for things like cancer, inflammatory bowel disorders, blood pressure medications and immune system suppressants can reduce sperm quality and damage sperm production. Source; Heraldsun.com.au, 25 October 2013

Frequently Asked Questions

Do boxers or briefs actually affect sperm count?

According to fertility experts, there is no concrete evidence that wearing briefs instead of boxers causes poor sperm quality. This common myth stems from the fact that sperm don't like high temperatures, but your underwear choice alone is unlikely to make a significant difference to your fertility.

What lifestyle changes can improve male fertility NHS?

The NHS recommends maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding recreational drugs to support healthy sperm production. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive heat to the testicles (such as frequent hot baths or saunas) can also help improve sperm quality and motility.

How common is male infertility in the UK?

Male factor infertility affects approximately half of all infertile couples, and around 1 in 7 UK couples experience difficulty conceiving. If you've been trying to conceive for over a year withou

t success, the NHS recommends speaking to your GP, who can arrange a semen analysis to check sperm health.

Can being overweight affect male fertility?

Yes, being overweight can disrupt sex hormone production and negatively impact sperm quality. NICE guidelines recommend achieving a healthy BMI as part of preconception care, and your GP can refer you to weight management services on the NHS if needed to support your fertility journey.

Does sitting at a desk all day affect sperm count?

Prolonged sitting can increase scrotal temperature, which may affect sperm production over time. Fertility experts recommend getting up and moving around regularly throughout the day, particularly if you have a sedentary desk job, to help maintain optimal conditions for healthy sperm.

How often should we have sex when trying to conceive UK?

The NHS advises having sex every two to three days throughout the month when TTC, rather than saving it up for ovulation. Frequent ejaculation helps ensure sperm isn't in prolonged storage in the epididymis, keeping it fresh and maintaining good motility.

What supplements help with male fertility UK?

Nutrients such as zinc, CoQ10, and L-carnitine have been clinically studied for their role in supporting sperm health and motility. Whilst the NHS doesn't routinely prescribe fertility supplements, many couples find them helpful alongside lifestyle changes when trying to conceive naturally.