Beyond Positions: Boosting Fertility with Healthy Habits

Conceiving faster isn’t just about what happens in the bedroom – it’s also about creating a sperm-and-egg-friendly environment outside of it. Here are some often overlooked factors, especially related to male fertility, that can make a real difference:

• Keep Things Cool (Literally): Testicles are designed to hang outside the body for a reason – they need to stay a few degrees cooler than core body temperature for optimal sperm production [6]. Consistent overheating of the scrotum can harm the Sertoli cells that help produce sperm [6]. So, men should be mindful of activities that “cook” the testes. For instance, hot tubs and saunas can be detrimental if used often. In a hot tub, the testicles are submerged in hot water and have no way to cool off, potentially warming to unsafe levels for sperm development [5]. Frequent long hot baths, placing a laptop directly on your lap for hours, or even using heated car seats all the time could add up to excess heat down there. While you don’t need to avoid warmth at all costs, consider moderation: maybe skip the daily hot tub soak while you’re trying to conceive, and use a lap desk or table for that laptop. The same logic applies to tight clothing – which brings us to underwear.

• Choose Fertility-Friendly Underwear: Does it really matter? Research suggests it just might. A major study of 656 men found that those who usually wore loose-fitting boxers had 25% higher sperm concentrations and 17% higher total sperm count than men who wore tight briefs or jockeys [6]. Looser underwear allows more cooling airflow, whereas snug briefs may lead to “scrotal heating,” as scientists call it [6]. In fact, this study noted a hormonal sign that the men in tight underwear were compensating for heat: they had higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), suggesting the body was trying to jump-start sperm production in slightly overheated testicles [6]. Other research has echoed this trend – tight polyester fabric in particular might have negative effects on sperm. In an experiment, dogs made to wear polyester-lined underwear showed a significant drop in sperm count and motility over 24 months, whereas dogs in cotton underwear (and the control group) had no such decline [7]. (The researchers theorized that electrostatic charges from polyester could be to blame, but whatever the cause, the effect was reversible after switching back to cotton [7].) The takeaway? Breathable, natural fabrics are your testes’ friends. Choosing underwear that keeps you cool and dry may help improve sperm parameters, especially if fertility is a concern.  Bamboo fabric is a modern option that checks all the right boxes for fertility-conscious men. It’s highly breathable and moisture-wicking, helping to keep the groin area cool and sweat-free. It’s also naturally soft and gentle on skin. Importantly, bamboo is an eco-friendly, non-toxic textile, meaning it’s grown and processed without harsh pesticides or chemicals. For men worried about exposure to hormone-disrupting substances (more on that next), this is a big plus. Mr. Fertyl’s bamboo underwear is a great example – it’s specially designed for health-conscious, fertility-focused men who value quality and sustainability in their clothing. By switching to options like these, you’re not only making a comfortable lifestyle upgrade, but also potentially giving your sperm a healthier environment. After all, something as simple as trading in tight, synthetic briefs for cool, bamboo boxers could be an easy win on your fertility journey.

• Beware of Toxins and Endocrine Disruptors: Our modern environment is full of chemicals, and some of them can interfere with hormones and reproductive health. These are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – they lurk in everything from certain plastics, pesticides, and personal care products to even the materials and dyes used in clothes [8]. Research has linked EDC exposure to lower sperm count, poorer sperm motility, and even changes in male hormones like testosterone [8]. For example, common pollutants such as phthalates (used in plastics and fragrances) and BPA (in some plastic containers and receipts) have been associated with decreased semen quality in men [8]. Over the past few decades, scientists have observed declines in average sperm counts alongside rising levels of these industrial chemicals, suggesting our environment plays a role in fertility [8]. What can you do? Try to reduce your exposure: opt for glass or stainless steel over plastic for food storage, choose natural or organic personal care items when possible, and wash new clothes before wearing to remove any residues from manufacturing. Choosing organic or eco-friendly fabrics, like bamboo or organic cotton, can minimize contact with certain fabric treatments or pesticides that non-organic materials might carry [8]. Again, something like Mr. Fertyl’s bamboo underwear fits here – not only does it keep you cool, but it also aligns with a lifestyle aimed at cutting down on potential toxins. While we can’t completely avoid all EDCs, being mindful of what we put in and on our bodies (and our reproductive organs!) is a smart move when trying to conceive.

• Overall Health and Habits: Finally, don’t forget the big picture. A few other male fertility boosters: Don’t smoke – smoking introduces cadmium and other toxic substances that can lower sperm count and damage DNA in sperm [2]. Limit heavy drinking and drug use, as these can alter hormone levels and sperm quality. Keep an eye on medications or anabolic steroids – testosterone supplements or steroid use can actually shut down the body’s natural sperm production [5], so always talk to a doctor about fertility-safe treatments for any condition. Manage stress and get enough sleep, since chronic stress can dampen sexual function and perhaps sperm parameters (not to mention make baby-making a lot less fun). Maintaining a healthy weight and getting moderate exercise are beneficial, too – obesity and extreme exercise (in men and women) can disrupt fertility [9]. In short, a balanced, healthy lifestyle creates the optimal conditions for conception. Think of it as tending the garden in which that seed (or rather, sperm and egg) will meet.