Men who prefer to wear tight-fitting underwear may be compromising their fertility and sexual function, according to a large-scale study published in the Asian Journal of Andrology. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 27,000 men, found an association between tight underwear (TU) and poorer semen quality, as well as a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE).
Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China observed that men reporting the use of tight underwear had lower sperm quality and quantity compared to those who opted for loose styles. The study suggests that choosing loose underwear (LU) could be a simple, modifiable strategy to help protect male reproductive health.
This study addresses a long-standing, often debated question about the impact of underwear choice on men's health. While other factors affecting semen quality, such as lifestyle and environmental exposures, have been identified, the specific influence of underwear type remained unclear until now.
Participants in the study were categorized based on their preferred underwear style, ranging from loose boxers to tight Y-fronts, thongs, and box briefs. Subsequent semen analysis revealed a correlation between tight underwear and diminished semen quality and quantity.
The researchers propose that the increased temperature within the scrotum, caused by tight-fitting garments, is a primary reason for these effects. They explained that a temperature increase of 0.5°C–1°C compared to looser options is sufficient to impair sperm storage and development, leading to reduced motility and abnormal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the study noted that prolonged wear of tight underwear might also reduce testosterone secretion, contributing to sexual dysfunction.
The findings indicate that tight underwear is a "readily modifiable lifestyle factor" that could negatively affect spermatogenesis, sperm DNA integrity, and male sexual function. The researchers recommend that men concerned about their semen quality and sexual function consider their underwear choices.
