Is Your Underwear Type Causing Low Semen Volume and Health?

Written by: Dr. Brian Steixner

In men's health, discussions about semen are often reserved for fertility and reproductive concerns. However, one overlooked yet essential factor that can significantly impact semen volume and health is the type of underwear a man likes. Yes, you read that right! The undergarments you select can play a role in maintaining optimal semen health and impact your sexual satisfaction. In this article, we'll explore the relationship between underwear and semen health, providing insights and tips for men to make informed choices about their intimate attire.

The Basics of Semen Health

Before delving into the connection between underwear and semen health, let's briefly understand what semen health entails. Semen is a complex mixture of sperm cells and various fluids produced by the male reproductive system. Its quality is determined by factors such as sperm count, motility (movement of sperm), and morphology (shape of sperm). Its volume may be genetic but is impacted by your diet and nutrition. Maintaining healthy semen is crucial for fertility, conception, and reproductive health while enhancing semen volume can increase sexual satisfaction and confidence in the bedroom.

Understanding the Underwear Dilemma

The choice of men's underwear might seem like a simple decision, but it can significantly influence your semen volume. The two main types of underwear worn by men can be generally put into two categories, loose or tight fitting. Each type has its pros and cons regarding semen health.


Loose Underwear: Boxers are a type of loose-fitting underwear that allow ample airflow around your scrotum. This ventilation can help regulate the temperature of the testicles, preventing them from becoming too warm. When the testicles are too warm, it can negatively affect sperm production leading to smaller loads that are less healthy. Additionally, boxers have the added benefit of reducing the risk of chafing and irritation, promoting overall comfort.


Tight Fitting Underwear: There are a lot of types of underwear that fall into this grouping.  They are all are snug-fitting and offer more support to the male anatomy. While they might provide better support for physical activities, they can also lead to higher temperatures in the scrotum, potentially impacting sperm volume and quality.

The Underwear and Semen Health Connection

Temperature Regulation: One of the most critical factors influencing semen volume and health is testicular temperature. The testes function optimally when they are cooler than the body's normal core temperature. Wearing tight underwear, like briefs, can elevate scrotal temperature, which may negatively impact sperm production and quality.


Sperm Count and Motility: Studies have shown that wearing tight underwear can result in decreased sperm count and reduced sperm motility. The restriction caused by tight undergarments can interfere with the movement and function of sperm, affecting fertility.

Genital Irritation: Wearing underwear made from non-breathable fabrics or poor-quality materials can cause irritation and chafing in the genital area. This discomfort may increase stress on the reproductive system, potentially affecting semen health.

Tips for Maintaining Semen Health

Choose Breathable Fabrics: We aren't saying tight fitting is bad, we recommend you opt for underwear made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials such as cotton. This allows air circulation and reduces the risk of excessive moisture accumulation, which can lead to bacterial growth and discomfort.


Wear Looser Underwear at Night: To allow the testicles to rest and maintain a lower temperature during sleep, consider wearing boxers or loose-fitting underwear at night. Some of us don't wear underwear at all!


Limit Heat Exposure: Avoid activities that expose the genital area to excessive heat, such as using hot tubs or saunas for prolonged periods. Even that phone in your front pocket may be a bad idea. High temperatures can negatively impact sperm production.


Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to overall reproductive health. These will help your body heal and focus on healthy sperm production and volume. Adding supplements like Popstar can also jump start


Update your Underwear: The timing of new underwear is variable amongst men. However, getting new and different underwear types on a regular basis can help diversify your exposure to fabrics and fits. We recommend updating your underwear every 3 to 6 months before the best effect. Subscription options for mens underwear like Underwear Expert make it fun and take the hassle out of it. We are fans. They even have some fun content like their Am I Gay Quiz.

Taking care of semen health is crucial for fertility and conception and overall reproductive well-being. Making mindful choices about your underwear type can significantly impact semen quality and reproductive health. Opt for breathable and comfortable underwear, and when possible, choose loose-fitting options like boxers to promote better temperature regulation and sperm production. By understanding the intimate connection between underwear and semen health, men can take proactive steps to safeguard their reproductive vitality and well-being.