Want Better Fertility? It’s Not Just About Volume - It’s About What’s Touching Your Skin

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

Introduction

There’s a quiet crisis unfolding in men’s health: sperm counts are plummeting worldwide. In fact, recent research shows that the average sperm count has dropped by over 50% globally in the last 40-50 years ​[1]. Scientists warn this decline is continuing – even accelerating – into the 21st century​ [1]​. With male fertility on the decline, it’s no wonder many men are looking for answers. One surprisingly common question is “how to cum more?” In other words, men are searching for ways to increase the volume of their ejaculate, thinking it might be the key to virility or improved fertility.

If you’ve ever found yourself googling how to improve sperm health or specifically “how to cum more,” you’re not alone. It’s a normal question – society often equates bigger ahem outputs with greater masculinity or fertility. But here’s the twist: semen volume is only one small piece of the male fertility puzzle. Chasing sheer volume without understanding the full picture is a bit like focusing on the size of a car’s gas tank instead of the quality of its engine. Yes, volume can matter to some degree, but what really counts is what’s in it (healthy, moving sperm) and the factors affecting those swimmers.

In this article, we’ll reframe the “how to cum more” question into a healthier, more holistic discussion about male fertility. We’ll bust a few myths about semen volume, explore why environmental factors (like the fabric touching your skin daily) can impact sperm count and quality, and discuss lifestyle changes to increase semen volume naturally and boost overall male reproductive health. By the end, you’ll see that better fertility isn’t achieved through a magic pill or a one-off trick – it’s shaped by your daily choices, from the underwear you put on each morning to the food on your plate. Let’s dive in.

Misconceptions About Semen Volume

It’s easy to see why semen volume gets so much attention. There’s a cultural notion that more semen = more manly. Pop culture and adult films often exaggerate ejaculation volume, leading many men to feel that if they don’t produce a p*rn-star amount of fluid, something must be wrong. This has spawned a market of so-called “volume-boosting” supplements and internet hacks claiming to help you increase semen volume naturally overnight. Before you buy into those, let’s clear up a few things.

First, there’s a normal range for semen volume, and it’s probably smaller than you think. According to the World Health Organization, a typical ejaculate is around 3 to 5 milliliters (about a teaspoon), with anything from roughly 1.5 mL up to ~7 mL considered normal ​[3]. That’s it. And as men age, volume naturally tends to peak in their 30s and then decline somewhat​ [3]. So if you’re expecting to unleash a cup-full, you’re chasing an unrealistic goal.

More importantly, volume alone isn’t a reliable sign of fertility or “masculine” virility. It’s understandable to assume more fluid = more sperm = higher chance of pregnancy, but biology doesn’t work that way. In reality, sperm cells make up only about 1% to 10% of semen volume​ [3]. The rest is seminal fluid – nutrients, enzymes, prostate secretions, etc., which help sperm along their journey. That means you could double your semen volume and still have the same sperm count (or even fewer sperm) if the additional fluid is just, well, extra fluid. Conversely, a smaller-volume ejaculate could be teeming with sperm if it’s more concentrated. Fertility is more about sperm count, motility, and quality, not just fluid ounces.

Unfortunately, many men don’t realize this. Mythical “quick fixes” abound online. You’ll find pills and powders advertised to make you “cum like a horse” – often loaded with herbal ingredients and big promises. The truth? These claims are largely unfounded. As one medical review bluntly put it: some companies sell products supposed to increase semen volume, but this is a myth​[3]. There isn’t any pill you can pop that will magically override your body’s set semen production. At best, certain supplements (zinc, amino acids, etc.) might optimize the health of your sperm over weeks or months – but they won’t turn you into a firehose. In fact, doctors note that there’s probably no way to significantly increase semen volume by popping pills beyond your normal baseline​ [3].

Consider hydration as an example: If you’re slightly dehydrated, drinking more water will ensure you’re not underproducing fluid. Adequate hydration is often cited as a tip to maximize volume, and it does help keep semen volume at your normal max ​[3]. But even then, you’re staying within your body’s natural range – you’re not doubling it.

Another common misconception is that more volume equals more pleasure or better orgasms. This idea has been debunked. Ejaculation volume does not meaningfully enhance sexual pleasure for either the man or his partner​ [3]. Orgasms aren’t longer or stronger just because there’s a bit more fluid to expel. And if you think about it, it makes sense – the pleasurable contractions of orgasm happen regardless of whether you release 2 mL or 5 mL. So any anxiety around “not producing enough to satisfy” is misplaced. Sexual satisfaction is about quality of intimacy and many other factors, not a milliliter count of semen.

Lastly, let’s address the masculinity factor. It’s easy to tie one’s sense of manhood to physical outputs, but masculinity isn’t measured in milliliters. You’re not “less of a man” if you don’t flood the bed sheets. As one doctor quipped, masculinity is in the brain rather than in the semen ​[3]. In other words, being a good partner, having confidence, and taking care of your health defines you – not the visual spectacle of your climax. Even p*rn stars, who seem to ejaculate unrealistically huge volumes, often use camera tricks or long build-ups between scenes. It’s not real life.

So if you’ve been stressing about how to increase semen volume naturally, take a step back. Volume is only one aspect of male fertility, and an overrated one at that. Rather than chasing a larger load for its own sake, it’s far more productive to focus on improving your overall sperm health and reproductive wellness. That approach will pay dividends not just in potential volume, but in actual fertility and hormone health. In the next sections, we’ll look at exactly that: the deeper things that affect your sperm count and quality – including something as basic as the underwear you’re wearing.

The Role of Environmental Toxins (What’s Touching Your Skin Matters)

One big piece of the fertility puzzle that often gets overlooked is our environment – specifically, the chemicals and materials we come into contact with daily. And what’s one thing almost all men wear daily that hugs some of the most important real estate for fertility? Underwear. The type of underwear you choose (and what it’s made of) might not seem like a big deal, but it can expose your groin to substances and conditions that make a surprising difference over time.

Modern life has introduced a cocktail of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) into our environment. These are substances that can interfere with our hormones – including testosterone and other hormones vital for sperm production. They’re found in all sorts of products: plastics, pesticides, personal care products, and yes, even in fabrics and clothing dyes. Researchers have pointed out that the global decline in sperm counts has coincided with the rise of many of these chemicals in our environment​ [2]. It’s not proof of cause, but it’s a worrying correlation that scientists are actively investigating.

Let’s talk fabrics. Synthetic materials like polyester and nylon have become common in clothing (including underwear) because they’re stretchy and durable. However, the way these fabrics are made often involves a lot of chemical processing. That new-clothing smell or the “performance” features can be due to chemicals such as dyes, finishing agents, or even brominated flame retardants infused into the fabric. Studies have found that some clothing contains trace amounts of compounds like benzothiazole, quinoline, phthalates, and even pesticide residues in the case of treated cotton​ [8]. If that sounds a bit scary, it kind of is – clothes in close and prolonged skin contact can be a significant source of exposure to hazardous chemicals, depending on their ability to migrate and be absorbed through the skin ​[8]. In simple terms, what touches your skin can potentially leach into your body.

Why does that matter for fertility? Because many of these chemicals are known or suspected EDCs – they can mess with hormones. For example, phthalates (used to make plastics flexible and sometimes present in synthetic fabrics or elastic waistbands) have been shown to interfere with testosterone production in the body​ [7]. Lower testosterone can lead to reduced sperm production over time​[4][11]. In fact, when men have clinically low testosterone, one of the first things that can suffer is sperm count​ [11]​. So exposing the testes to phthalates daily (via that cheap poly-blend underwear or other sources) is not doing your swimmers any favors. Other chemicals, like certain pesticides or flame retardants used in textiles, have been linked to hormone disruption and even directly to sperm abnormalities​ [2][7]​.

Consider this eye-opening example: fabric type affecting fertility in research. In an unusual study, scientists had one group of dogs wear polyester underwear and another group wear cotton. (Yes, doggy briefs – this actually happened!). After months, the dogs in polyester underpants showed a significant decrease in sperm count and motility, and more abnormal sperm, compared to the cotton-wearing dogs ​[6]. Once the polyester underwear was removed, the dogs’ fertility gradually recovered in many cases ​[6]. The researchers suspected the culprit might be electrostatic charges generated by polyester fabric affecting the testes​ [6]. Now, dogs aren’t humans, but it’s a controlled hint that synthetic fabrics could negatively impact sperm production in ways beyond just heat. It’s food for thought: your choice of fabric might influence more than just comfort.

Heat is another factor here. We’ve long known that overheating the testicles can impair sperm production – that’s why testes hang outside the body, to stay a few degrees cooler. Tight, non-breathable underwear can increase scrotal temperature. One large study of 656 men found that those who mostly wore loose-fitting boxer shorts had significantly higher sperm counts and concentration than men who wore tight briefs or jockeys [5]​. The boxer-wearers also had lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which the body pumps out more when it needs to compensate for testicular stress or damage ​[5]. In short, boxers kept things cooler and happier downstairs. While that study focused on fit, not fabric, the principle is similar: breathable = better for fertility. A fabric that traps heat and moisture (like a non-breathable synthetic) could contribute to chronically warmer testicles and thus lower sperm quality. Conversely, a fabric that breathes and keeps you cool can help protect sperm production.

Let’s bring cotton into the discussion, specifically non-organic (conventional) cotton. Cotton itself is a natural fiber and generally breathes well, which is good. However, cotton farming uses a lot of pesticides (it’s one of the most chemical-intensive crops). While much of those pesticides are washed out or reduced during processing, trace residues can still be present in cotton textiles ​[8]. Some studies have detected small amounts of organochlorine pesticides in finished cotton fabrics. The health impact of these residues from clothing isn’t fully clear – some experts argue it’s minimal, others point out that any additional exposure to toxins is unwanted. At the very least, clothing made from pesticide-treated cotton may introduce tiny levels of these chemicals to your skin, and thus potentially into your body​ [8]. A toxin is a toxin, and if we’re playing the odds for optimal fertility, minimizing exposure is wise.

Bottom line: Our environment and what we wear can expose us to subtle factors that influence reproductive health. If you’re aiming to boost male reproductive health, you have to think beyond the obvious (like diet and exercise) and also consider exposures. Swapping out that cheap poly-blend brief or that old pair of pesticide-laden cotton boxers for something more fertility-friendly is a proactive step. This is where special fabrics like Bamboo Lyocell come into play – a promising option to reduce toxin exposure and keep things cool, which we’ll discuss next.

Bamboo Lyocell: A Fertility-Friendly Fabric Choice

Amid growing awareness of toxins in textiles, new fabrics are being touted as safer alternatives. One that’s gaining attention is Bamboo Lyocell, an eco-friendly textile that just so happens to check a lot of boxes for fertility-conscious men. If you haven’t heard of it, Bamboo Lyocell is a fabric made from bamboo pulp – but produced in a cleaner, closed-loop process that avoids harsh chemicals. In the context of underwear, Bamboo Lyocell fabric offers some unique benefits for your swimmers:

  • Toxin-Free Production: Unlike traditional cotton (with its pesticides) or standard bamboo viscose (which can involve toxic solvents), Bamboo Lyocell is produced without harmful chemical residues. The process dissolves bamboo pulp using a non-toxic solvent and recycles 99% of that solvent in a closed-loop system, meaning minimal chemical waste and no leftover nasties on the fibers. The result is a clean, smooth fiber that’s free from the pesticide residues and synthetic finishes that might be found in other underwear fabrics. In other words, when bamboo lyocell fabric is labeled “OEKO-TEX® certified” or similar, you can be confident you’re not wrapping the family jewels in a chemical cocktail.
  • Breathable and Moisture-Wicking: Bamboo Lyocell is often praised for its breathability. It has micro-gaps in the fiber that allow air to circulate and wick moisture away from the skin. If you tend to run hot or sweat “down there,” this fabric helps keep your groin area drier and cooler. That’s a win for sperm, which prefer a cooler environment. Good airflow and moisture control mean less of a swampy greenhouse in your pants, and more of a cool, comfy climate. Many athletes even choose bamboo-based socks or shirts for this reason – it’s great at regulating temperature. For fertility, this could help avoid that chronic mild warmth that comes from less breathable underwear.
  • Soft and Comfortable: Comfort might not directly impact sperm, but indirectly it can. If a fabric is soft, hypoallergenic, and gentle, you’re less likely to get rashes or adjust your clothing (which can cause friction and heat). Bamboo Lyocell is known for a silky, smooth feel against the skin. This makes it easy to wear all day. No itching, no irritation. And if you’re comfortable, your testes are comfortable.
  • Naturally Odor-Resistant: Bamboo fabrics have been known to have antibacterial properties, which means they can reduce odor-causing bacteria buildup. Less odor is nice for obvious reasons, but it also hints that the fabric isn’t harboring bacterial growth the way some synthetic fabrics might. Again, a cleaner environment for the groin. (Now, purely natural bamboo fiber has some antibacterial compounds from the plant, though some of that may not survive processing. Regardless, many users find bamboo undergarments stay fresher.)

Given these benefits, it’s not surprising that fertility-focused brands have embraced Bamboo Lyocell. For instance, Mr. Fertyl (our company is dedicated to male fertility products) offers men’s underwear made of Bamboo Lyocell. We saw the writing on the wall about traditional fabrics and decided to create underwear that help men avoid unnecessary toxins and overheating. By wearing something like Mr. Fertyl’s Bamboo Lyocell underwear, you’re essentially removing one negative variable from the fertility equation. It’s a bit like switching to a clean diet, but for your groin: you reduce exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals from clothing and keep the area cool and comfortable.

Now, let’s be clear – no underwear alone is going to instantly boost your sperm count or act as a cure-all. But making a switch to a fabric like Bamboo Lyocell is one meaningful piece of a larger strategy. Think of it as creating a sperm-friendly environment for those on the outside, while you also work on improvements from the inside. Speaking of which, let’s turn to those internal factors – the lifestyle habits that can make or break male fertility.

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Lifestyle Factors That Matter for Male Fertility

Improving fertility isn’t a one-and-done hack; it’s about consistent, healthy habits. Male fertility tips often sound like general health advice – and that’s because what’s good for your overall health is usually great for your sperm. Let’s go through some key lifestyle factors and how they tie into sperm count, semen quality, and even volume:

  1. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. During sleep, your body secretes important hormones (like testosterone) and undergoes cellular repair – both crucial for making healthy sperm. Research has shown that men who sleep too little (under ~7 hours) tend to have poorer semen quality ​[12]. In one study, a sleep duration of less than 7.5 hours was associated with reduced sperm counts and motility​ [12]. Both short and extremely long sleep durations have been linked to sperm issues, but lack of sleep is a common culprit. If you’re burning the midnight oil regularly or suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia, it could be quietly dragging down your testosterone and sperm production. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. It not only helps your sperm, but also improves your stress levels, weight management, and overall mood – all of which indirectly benefit fertility too.
  2. Eat a Fertility-Boosting Diet: There truly is such a thing as “fertility foods” for men, and no surprise – they align with a balanced, whole-food diet. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (especially fish and poultry), nuts, and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocados) all provide nutrients that support sperm production. This pattern closely resembles the Mediterranean diet, which has strong links to better male fertility. Multiple studies and reviews have found that men who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have higher sperm counts and better motility and morphology (shape) ​[9]. The diet’s richness in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods likely protects sperm from oxidative stress and DNA damage​. One cross-sectional study of 300 men found that those with the highest adherence to a Mediterranean diet had significantly higher sperm count, concentration, and viability than those with the lowest adherence ​[9]​. So, if you want to boost male reproductive health, load up your plate with colorful veggies, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seafood, and olive oil. Conversely, try to cut back on the “standard Western diet” villains: processed junk food, excessive red meat, sugary drinks, and trans fats – these have been associated with worse semen quality [9]. Specific nutrients deserve honorable mentions: zinc, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids are all linked to healthy sperm. For example, zinc is crucial for testosterone and sperm development, selenium and vitamin E help with sperm motility (they’re antioxidants), and folate (yes, men need folate too!) is involved in DNA synthesis for new sperm cells. You can get these from foods (oysters and meat for zinc, nuts and fish for selenium, citrus for vitamin C, almonds for vitamin E, leafy greens for folate, fatty fish or flax for omega-3s) or through a quality multivitamin if needed. Stay hydrated as well – your body needs fluids to produce semen, and while drinking gallons of water won’t turn you into a geyser, being dehydrated can certainly limit your semen volume. Doctors note that adequate fluid intake can help ensure you maximize your personal semen volume (within normal limits)​ [3].
  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise Regularly: carrying extra pounds, especially around the belly, is linked to lower testosterone and fertility issues in men. Obesity can impair hormone balance (often raising estrogen levels and lowering T) and is associated with poorer sperm quality. If you’re overweight, losing even 10% of your body weight can improve hormonal health. Regular exercise is a fantastic way to boost your testosterone naturally and improve circulation (which helps testicular function). Aim for moderate exercise most days – a mix of cardio and strength training is ideal. However, avoid excessive exercise to the point of overtraining, as that can elevate cortisol (the stress hormone) too much and actually lower testosterone​. Long-distance endurance training, for instance, if taken to extremes, has been linked to lower libido and sperm count in some athletes due to chronically high cortisol. Moderation is key. Also, if you cycle a lot, consider padded bike shorts and taking breaks – chronic perineal pressure from biking can, in rare cases, contribute to fertility or erection issues.
  4. Manage Stress: Easier said than done, but vital. Psychological stress is proven to degrade sperm quality. A study from Columbia University found that men who feel stressed have fewer sperm, and the sperm they do have are more often misshapen or sluggish​ [4]​. Chronic stress might trigger the release of glucocorticoid hormones (like cortisol) that suppress testosterone and sperm production​ [4]. It can also generate oxidative stress in the body, harming sperm DNA. Practically speaking, finding ways to relax and decompress is not just hippie talk – it’s a legit male fertility tip. Exercise helps with stress, as do hobbies, time in nature, meditation or mindfulness practices, adequate sleep (back to point 1), and even professional therapy if needed. Reducing stress creates a hormonal environment more conducive to reproductive health. Plus, managing stress will likely improve your relationship and sex life, which certainly can’t hurt fertility either!
  5. Ditch the Cigarettes and Go Easy on Alcohol/Drugs: If you smoke, here’s yet another reason to quit: smoking is consistently associated with reduced sperm count and motility. A meta-analysis encompassing nearly 6,000 men found that smokers had significantly lower sperm counts than non-smokers, on the order of about a 13-17% reduction on average ​[10]. Smoking also increases DNA damage in sperm and can lead to more abnormal morphology. The chemicals in cigarette smoke (like cadmium, lead, and countless oxidants) wreak havoc on the delicate process of sperm production. The good news? Stopping smoking can improve semen parameters – one study even showed sperm concentration and semen volume increased after a year of quitting smoking​ [13]. As for alcohol, moderate drinking (a drink per day or less) is usually fine and hasn’t shown huge effects on fertility, but heavy drinking absolutely can lower testosterone and cause testicular damage over time. Keep it to a sensible level. And of course, avoid illicit drugs – anabolic steroids (which some guys use for bodybuilding) are essentially birth control (they shut down your natural T and sperm production hard​​[11], and drugs like marijuana (now legal in many places) have been linked in some studies to lower sperm counts and altered sperm motility when used heavily.
  6. Keep it Cool “Down There”: We touched on this with the underwear, but as a lifestyle point, be mindful of heat exposures to your groin. This means limit frequent hot tub soaks or sauna sessions (an occasional soak is fine, just don’t make it daily when trying to conceive). Don’t use your laptop directly on your lap for hours (laptops can heat up – use a lap desk or table). If your job involves sitting for long periods, take occasional standing breaks to let things breathe. All these little adjustments tie back to keeping the testicles at an optimal temperature for sperm production. Nature designed them to hang low for a reason!
  7. Timing and Frequency of Ejaculation: While not exactly a lifestyle “health” factor, men often ask how frequency of sex or ejaculation affects sperm. Here’s the rundown: If you ejaculate multiple times a day, your volume and sperm count per ejaculate will definitely drop (the tanks need time to refill). On the other hand, abstaining for too long (several weeks) can lead to a higher volume and count on the next go, but it’s not necessarily better – very prolonged abstinence can result in more dead or damaged sperm from them sitting around too long. The general recommendation for optimal sperm for pregnancy is to have sex ~2-3 times a week (or every 2-3 days) regularly. This keeps the supply fresh. If you’re trying to maximize sperm count for a specific day (like sperm banking or IVF), abstaining 2-5 days beforehand is often advised by clinics. For everyday life, find a balance that suits you and your partner – just know that extreme frequency or infrequency can impact the measured volume and counts somewhat.

By focusing on these lifestyle factors – sleep, diet, weight, exercise, stress reduction, avoiding toxins (in products, cigarettes, etc.), and keeping your privates cool – you are tackling the root causes that influence fertility. These are truly the male fertility tips that matter. They improve not just semen volume (incrementally and within healthy limits) but more importantly, sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall hormonal health. And as a bonus, they’ll likely improve your energy, mood, and general wellness too. Fertility is a mirror of health in a lot of ways.

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Conclusion

So, “how to cum more?” The cheeky answer might be: live a healthier life and maybe buy better underwear! In all seriousness, we’ve learned that it’s not just about volume. Sure, every guy would love to have peak sexual health (and a impressive finish can be an ego boost), but when it comes to fertility, chasing volume alone is like focusing on the wrong end of the equation. Fertility is shaped by daily choices and overall health, not a one-time trick.

Think of your reproductive system as a garden. You can’t flood it with water (volume) and expect it to flourish if the soil (your body) is deprived of nutrients or full of toxins. Instead, you tend the garden: good soil (nutrition), the right temperature and sunlight (no excess heat, good environment), no weeds or pests (avoiding toxins and bad habits), and consistent care (healthy lifestyle). Do that, and the garden will bear fruit. In male fertility terms, that means adequate semen volume with high-quality sperm inside.

We opened with the alarming fact that sperm counts have been declining worldwide, and that’s all the more reason to take a holistic approach. The odds have changed compared to our grandfathers’ time – environmental pollutants, sedentary lifestyles, and processed diets are new challenges we face. The encouraging news is that many of the solutions are in your control: improving your diet, exercising, sleeping well, quitting smoking, managing stress, and yes, even wearing toxin-free, breathable Bamboo Lyocell boxers instead of those old synthetic briefs. Each of these changes might seem small on its own, but together they create a healthier you and a more fertility-friendly lifestyle.

There’s no overnight miracle to suddenly double your semen volume or instantly fix a low sperm count. Real results come from consistent habits and smart choices. It might take a few months (remember, sperm take about 2-3 months to develop), but your efforts will pay off in improved reproductive health. And even if you’re not planning to have children soon, these changes will likely lead to better hormonal balance, libido, and sexual function – things any man can appreciate.

In summary, volume is fine, but quality is golden. By focusing on what’s touching your skin (from the clothes you wear to the chemicals you avoid) and what you put into your body, you’ll be doing more for your fertility than any “one weird trick” could ever accomplish. Better fertility and virility are built gradually – from the inside out and the outside in. That’s a message that’s actually empowering: you have a lot of influence over your own reproductive health. So take care of your body, make those daily choices count, and the rest will follow. Here’s to healthier sperm, a healthier you, and if all goes well, a future filled with the possibilities you’re hoping for.

  1. Levine et al., Human Reproduction Update (2017 & 2022) – Studies reporting a significant global decline in sperm count over the past decades ​Source.
  2. Knapke et al., Toxicology (2022) – Review linking widespread pesticide exposure (endocrine disruptors) with reduced sperm quality in 79% of studies ​​Source.
  3. Mandal, A. (2024). Increasing Semen Volume. News-Medical.Net – Debunks myths around semen volume, noting that pills claiming to increase volume are largely ineffective, and that sperm constitute only a tiny fraction of semen​Source
  4. Columbia University (2014). Stress Degrades Sperm Quality – Found that men with higher stress have fewer, less mobile, and abnormally shaped sperm; stress hormones likely reduce testosterone and sperm production​ ​Source.
  5. Minguez-Alarcón et al., Human Reproduction (2018) – Large study showing men who wear looser boxer shorts have 25% higher sperm concentration and 17% higher total count than men in tight underwear​, suggesting scrotal temperature plays a role Source.
  6. Shafik, A. et al. (1993). Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis – An experimental study where polyester underwear had a reversible adverse effect on sperm count and motility in dogs​​, implicating fabric-generated static or heat Source.
  7. Endocrine Society – Common EDCs fact sheet – Notes that phthalates (found in many plastics/products) can lower testosterone​, and chemicals like brominated flame retardants (used in some clothing) can disrupt thyroid hormones​ important for development Source.
  8. Jørgensen et al., Suspect screening of chemicals in clothing (2022) – Identified numerous residual chemicals in clothing textiles (e.g. quinoline, benzothiazoles, organophosphates, phthalates), many capable of skin absorption Source.
  9. Best, J.C. et al., Nutrients (2023) – Found adherence to a Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with higher sperm count, concentration, motility, and normal morphology​​, highlighting diet’s role in male fertility Source.
  10. Sharma et al., World J Mens Health (2022) – Meta-analysis of 5,865 men confirming that cigarette smoking is associated with reduced sperm count and motility​, reinforcing the need to avoid tobacco for fertility Source.
  11. McMillen, M., WebMD (2015) – Overview of male infertility highlighting key causes such as low testosterone, varicoceles, lifestyle factors, and environmental toxins; emphasizes that even healthy men can face fertility challenges and underscores the importance of early evaluation and treatment for improving reproductive outcomes. Source.
  12. Hvidt et al., Basic Clin Androl (2020) – Preliminary study of 104 men undergoing fertility treatment found that later bedtimes and shorter sleep durations were significantly associated with reduced semen quality, including lower sperm concentration and total count, suggesting that sleep patterns may influence male fertility. Source.
  13. Kulaksiz et al., Int J Impot Res (2022) – Study of 90 infertile men demonstrating that smoking cessation for at least 3 months led to significant improvements in semen volume, sperm concentration, and total sperm count, underscoring the detrimental impact of smoking on male fertility and the benefits of cessation. Source.