Association between underpants fit and semen quality: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Information from the abstract

Background: The effect of underpants type on semen parameters remains controversial. Conducting such a study in the Thai population will contribute valuable region-specific data. Objectives: This cross-sectional research studied the influence of fit of underpants worn on various semen parameters including semen volume, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation among Thai male partners in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods: Thai male partners aged 20–55 years who sought infertility treatment from Reproductive Biology Unit, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok were recruited from March to June 2024. All participants completed questionnaire covering socio-demographics, disease history, and type of underpants worn and provided one semen sample which was analyzed based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines 6th edition 2021. Results: Among 116 eligible participants, 93.1% preferred wearing tight-fitted underpants during the day while 74.1% opted for boxers or none at night. An increased volume of semen was observed in men wearing loose-fit underpants day and night by 1.232 mL with P = 0.004 (95% CI 0.406–2.057) whereas normal sperm morphology was found higher in men wearing tight-fit underpants during day and night by 0.491 with P = 0.031 (95% CI 0.044–0.937). The other semen parameters were not significantly affected by the fit of underpants worn. Conclusion: A straightforward lifestyle choice, such as selecting a specific type of underpants can influence semen volume and sperm morphology.

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Related topics: Sperm and Testicular Function · Ovarian function and disorders · Reproductive Health and Technologies