Recent medical advice suggests that men looking to maintain strong sperm should consider avoiding the use of heated car seats, a popular vehicle feature particularly favoured during cold weather, which is now scrutinised for its potential impact on male fertility.
Heated seats, while providing comfort in freezing temperatures, could inadvertently increase the temperature of the testes, thereby negatively affecting sperm production. Quality sperm production necessitates the testes being several degrees cooler than the body’s core temperature.
University of Manchester professor Allan Pacey, speaking to the Daily Mail, highlighted the longstanding knowledge that increased testicular temperature, whether from tight clothing or prolonged sitting, can reduce sperm production. Pacey also recommends avoiding heated blankets during the winter for the same reason.
Balancing Comfort and Fertility: Expert Opinions
While avoiding heated seats is advised for those planning a pregnancy, Dr. Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London offers a more nuanced view. He notes that while any heating of the testes can damage sperm and reduce fertility, occasional and short-term use of heated car seats and electric blankets should not pose significant risks. Jayasena points out that more consistent threats to sperm health include prolonged activities like cycling in tight clothing or long hot baths.
Broader Factors Influencing Sperm Health
Beyond the temperature-related concerns, a Harvard study revealed that occupation could influence sperm quality. It found that physically active blue-collar workers have higher sperm counts than sedentary white-collar workers. Reproductive epidemiologist Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón comments that this finding underscores the broader health benefits of physical activity, including its positive impact on male reproductive potential.
