Does the type of underwear affect your sperm count?

Does the type of underwear affect your sperm count?

Believe it or not, the type of underwear worn by men can affect their respective sperm count.

A new study from Harvard has revealed that your sperm count can be affected by the type of underwear you wear.

It has been long thought that men who wear tighter underwear tended to have lower sperm counts than the guys who wear boxers and now a cross-sectional study of 656 male participants has confirmed this. Visit our male fertility page to find out more and how the team at Fertility First can help with your fertility journey.

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FAQs about improving natural fertility

Will stress affect my ability to get pregnant?

Yes, chronic stress can impact fertility by disrupting hormonal balance and ovulation patterns. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices may help optimise your chances of conception. Consider speaking with a counsellor if stress feels overwhelming.

How does my partner's health affect our fertility?

Sperm health accounts for about 40% of conception challenges. Your partner can improve sperm health by maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive heat exposure (hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing), limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, and taking a multivitamin with antioxidants. Sperm takes about 3 months to develop, so lifestyle changes need time to show results.

When during my cycle am I most fertile?

Your fertile window typically spans 5-6 days, ending on ovulation day. For a regular 28-day cycle, this usually falls between days 10-15, with peak fertility 1-2 days before ovulation. Track your cycle using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature, or cervical mucus changes to identify your unique pattern. Having intercourse every 1-2 days during this window optimises your chances.