Too much time in the tub can cause infertility in men

Posted September 24, 2007 at 12:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Health, Physical Health

Couples trying to conceive are used to a barrage of advice from their doctors that help steer them away from activities that might hinder their chances of pregnancy.  Smoking, drinking, and excessive caffeine intake are all big no-no’s, and now men can add one more thing to the list.  As The New York Times recently reported, there is now strong evidence that suggests men should stay away from hot tubs and whirlpool baths when they’re hoping to add a new member to their family.

It has been speculated for years that high temperatures impair sperm functionality.  And thanks to new findings from the University of California, San Francisco, this speculation has turned into well-based truth.  The study focused on groups of men who were regularly exposed to hot water through baths and tubs, approximately 30 minutes per week.  Their discovery was that all the men showed clear signs of infertility, with weakened sperm production and mobility.  This is on top of older research, as reported by iVillage.com, that indicated even hot weather in summer days can have deleterious effects on male fertility.  The underlying factor is the sensitivity of the male testes, which are particularly vulnerable to heat.  Heat can damage developing sperm, which is an obvious hindrance to couples hoping to conceive.

With such research in hand, scientists are recommending that men who wish to maintain a healthy quantity and quality of sperm should avoid exposure to hot tubs and baths.  The Mayo Clinic warns that spending more than 30 minutes in warmer temps (102° F and above) will likely lead to a lower sperm count, with saunas and steam rooms included in the group of places to steer clear of.

Fortunately, men who are frequently exposed to higher temperatures need not worry too much.  Research also shows that while hot temps negatively affect sperm functionality, the consequences are typically reversible.  Nearly half the men in the UCSF study, after ceasing their exposure to wet heat, experienced a significant increase in their sperm counts after three to six months.  Those with no such increase were likely negatively affected by other bad habits - for example chronic smoking, which the study’s scientists admitted was common among members of the research group.  Other ways to improve sperm production and quality include reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and watching your weight.

Getting pregnant is hard enough for most couples.  Follow the above advice to help keep your sperm healthy and strong.

Research resources and for more information: [The New York Times], [The Mayo Clinic], [ivillage.com], [Babyhopes.com]; [picture]