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

There are 8 things you can do to keep your sperm in peak condition - and wearing boxer shorts is not one of them. Don't stress about your underwear choice, boys - briefs or boxers make no difference to sperm count, a fertility expert claims.

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.

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

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