Trying for a baby? Men should beware of heated blankets and car seats this winter, fertility experts say
- Long-term use could increase the temperature of the testicles, experts warned
- For sperm production, the testicles need to be cooler than the rest of the body
Freezing temperatures have made cozy heated blankets and car seats increasingly popular, but experts now warn they could harm male fertility.
It has long been known that long, hot baths are bad for men who want to start a family, because the testicles need to stay cool for optimal sperm production.
But electric blankets on your lap and sitting in heated car seats can have a similar effect over time, making it more difficult for men to get their partners pregnant, according to some experts.
Dr. Ippokratis Sarris, a consultant in reproductive medicine and director of King’s Fertility, told the Daily Mail: ‘While heated car seats and heated blankets offer an effective and tempting way to stay warm during cold weather, long-term use can pose potential risks for men . fertility by raising the temperature of the testicles to a level that can affect sperm production.
‘While this would be reversible, if someone is trying to conceive, it is advisable to strike a balance between socializing and protecting their reproductive health during the colder seasons.’
It has long been known that long, hot baths are bad for men who want to start a family, because the testicles need to stay cool for optimal sperm production. But electric blankets on your lap and sitting in heated car seats can have a similar effect over time, making it harder for men to get their partners pregnant, some experts say.
Research shows that an increase in temperature can change the sperm count, the shape of the sperm and the speed at which they can swim. Men wearing tight-fitting cycling shorts have been warned about overheating their groin area, and the British Fertility Society has previously warned men against using a hot laptop directly on their lap
For sperm production, the testicles must be several degrees cooler than the rest of the body. Therefore, they are kept cool by hanging outside the body.
Allan Pacey, a male fertility expert and professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, said: ‘We have known for some time that wearing tight trousers or sitting behind the wheel of a vehicle for too long can heat the testicles. reduce sperm production.
‘Therefore, I can imagine that the use of heated car seats or electric blankets during this cold wave could have the same effect, as a logical consequence.
‘My advice to men planning to become pregnant with their partner is to keep their heated car seats and electric blankets switched off. It can make a difference.’
Research shows that an increase in temperature can change the sperm count, the shape of the sperm and the speed at which they can swim.
Men wearing tight cycling shorts have been warned about overheating their groin area, and the British Fertility Society has previously warned men against using a hot laptop directly on their lap.
Dr. Channa Jayasena, head of andrology at Imperial College London, said: ‘Anything that heats up the testicles can damage some of the sperm, making them less likely to fertilize an egg.
‘The biggest culprits are long bike rides in Lycra or long, hot baths. Occasional use of heated car seats and electric blankets should not be a problem.’
But he added: ‘It remains to be proven, but long-term and regular use of heated car seats and electric blankets can be bad for a man’s fertility.’
Terry Sullivan, director of Fertility Family, a company that sells supplements claimed to boost fertility, said: ‘Even small increases in temperature can inhibit sperm production.
‘Prolonged exposure to heat, whether from heated blankets, saunas or heated chairs, can negatively affect male fertility.’