If you care about your sperm count, wear boxer shorts

If you’re a man trying for a baby, think about keeping your tackle cool by wearing boxers. A study has confirmed men who wear them have higher sperm counts than those who go for Y-fronts because tight-fitting underwear can raise the scrotum’s temperature.

Even as a medical student, I knew it lowered sperm production – and a Harvard University study confirms it. Researchers quizzed more than 650 men attending a fertility clinic about their preferred choice of underwear – 345 said boxers, 311 briefs.

The team then analysed the men’s sperm, taking into accounts factors such as age, whether they smoked, and whether they often used saunas or hot tubs.

On average, the boxer boys had a 17% higher sperm count and a 25% higher sperm concentration (a measure of quality) than the brief wearers.

The Y-front lovers also had raised levels of a hormone known to modulate sperm production – suggesting their bodies were trying to restore normal production.

None of the men studied had clinically low sperm counts, but the team believes that switching to boxer shorts could make a crucial difference for men whose sperm is already depleted.

“Since most men have no idea what their sperm count is, if you’re trying for a baby it’s not such a bad idea,” said Dr Jorge Chavarro, one of the researchers.