Hot Tubs & Male Fertility

According to a 2002 study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 7 percent of couples report having difficulty conceiving a child within one year. Of these couples, 30 percent of the difficulty conceiving can be attributed to male infertility. One factor in sperm production is exposure of the testes to high heat. Activities such as using a hot tub or sauna, bicycling or wearing tight underwear can lead to reduced sperm counts and difficulty conceiving.

Understanding Sperm Production

• Unlike the female reproductive organs, the male's testicles hang apart from the body. The reason for this is that the testes produce sperm more productively when their temperature is lower. This is why doctors will often recommend to a man suffering from a low sperm count that he should switch from briefs to boxers; when the testicles are held close to the body, the heat of the man's body can reduce sperm production in the testes.

Stay Away from Heat

• It isn't just body heat that reduces the productivity of the testes when it comes to producing sperm. Anything that heats up the testicles can lead to a lower sperm count. This includes, but is not limited to: saunas, hot baths, bicycling and hot tubs. If the goal is higher sperm production, the best bet is to keep the testicles away from heat.

Is Infertility Reversible?

• In many cases male infertility is reversible if certain lifestyle changes are made. A pilot study conducted by the Brazilian Society of Urology and released in 2007 found that, of the 30 percent of males who experienced low sperm counts, nearly half the cases were reversed when the men made changes to their lifestyles, including avoiding long, hot baths and extended dips in the jacuzzi.

Other Factors

• There are a number of other factors aside from hot baths and hot tubs that can contribute to male infertility. These include, but are not limited to: use of drugs or alcohol, exposure to radiation, sexually transmitted diseases, a severe case of the mumps and preexisting genetic conditions.

The Good News

• Most men who suffer from infertility issues can be treated for the condition. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has estimated that 85 percent to 90 percent of male infertility cases can be treated, either through medicine, surgery or by making lifestyle changes. Start by avoiding drugs and alcohol. Wear loose fitting underwear, and stay away from those long stretches in the hot tub.