A study reveals that men are ditching polyester underwear and briefs to safeguard their fertility. They are opting for cotton or wool alternatives perceived as healthier. This shift stems from chemicals in polyester linked to reduced sperm quality.
According to a study published in The Wall Street Journal, underwear made from polyester fabrics, which contain plastic, harbors chemicals associated with adverse effects on male sperm. Scientists note that invisible microplastics often appear in air, food, and water, carrying contaminants that impact human organs. These can lead to diseases such as cancer, vascular degeneration, heart conditions, and cellular damage.
Tight, stretchy polyester underwear has gained significant popularity among young men. Health expert Jaime Knopman stated, “If it's a plastic underwear that's very tight around the scrotum, then it reduces the quality of male sperm, the quantity of that sperm, and affects men's fertility.”
Alex Robles, a fertility specialist and lecturer at Columbia University, emphasized the need for further research on fabric types and their impacts. He added, “Wearing tight underwear, sitting for long periods, or cycling increases temperature levels and has been linked to reduced male sperm quality in previous studies.”
Some men have reported improved sperm quality when avoiding constricting underwear. Researchers advise men to choose loose-fitting options, avoid excessive heat, consume mineral-rich foods, and limit smoking and alcohol intake to enhance reproductive health.
