There is no coincidence that the testicles exist outside of the body, and this is relevant because this organ is dramatically affected by heat. In fact, testicles need to be several degrees cooler than the rest of the body. When it comes to a discussion regarding sauna use it is important to consider sperm production and scrotal health in general.
Can a sauna session lower a man’s sperm count? Not immediately. Regular sauna use does not eradicate sperm production altogether, however continued exposure to high heat can reduce sperm production. If fertility is an issue for a couple actively trying to get pregnant, perhaps men would do well to skip the sauna for a month or two.
Regular sauna use does not have a long lasting impact on sperm production. With a closer examination into how heat affects the testicles, it would benefit men looking to reproduce to use a sauna in an optimal capacity that supports their testicular health.
In this article you will find out more about sperm regeneration on a daily basis, as well as on a cyclical basis, what you can do to ensure your sperm count stays where you want it while still benefiting from sauna use, and how to sauna to support male fertility.
Important to note is that plenty of males have impregnated females while using a sauna regularly. Sauna use does extinguish the possibility of sperm production and therefore impregnation of a female, but the use of a sauna should not to be considered as a viable contraceptive, ever!
Testicles Need to be Kept at a Lower Temperature Than the Rest of the Body For Optimal Sperm Production
It is curious that besides the skin, the male sex organs are the only organ of the human body that exists outside of the body. The reason for this is largely because testicles need to be kept at a distinctly cooler temperature from the rest of the body. Science Direct published a well known study entitled ‘Endocrine Effects of Sauna Bathing’, and this peer reviewed journal provides a wealth of knowledge including detailed information on the effects of sauna use on spermatogenesis (the creation of new sperm):
“Scrotal temperature is 2–3 °C lower than body core temperature , and it is considered quintessential for spermatogenesis. It is disturbed when testicular temperature is elevated, e.g., in cryptorchidism, fever, varicocele, or even obesity.” (1)
This same publication goes on to clearly state the following on sauna use and sperm count:
“Scrotal hyperthermia by exposure to sauna can induce a significant alteration of spermatogenesis.” (1)
It is worth noting that while there is a reported ‘significant alteration’ of spermatogenesis, this does not mean that it stops altogether, but that it is limited by regular use of a sauna.
Biology itself indicates the need for testicles to be kept at a cooler temperature from the rest of the body, so it makes sense that exposing this organ to high heat in a variety of capacities for any length of time will adversely affect its function. Nevertheless, a landmark study that we will examine closely provides the scientific data to support this relatively obvious truth.
The Data that Supports Sauna Bathing’s effect on Spermatogenesis Over the Course of Time
A study published by the National Institute of Health entitled: ‘Seminal and molecular evidence that sauna exposure affects human spermatogenesis’ relays detailed and relevant information with respect to sauna bathing and sperm count. (2)
The study proceeded as follows:
“Study question: What are the effects of continuous sauna exposure on seminal parameters, sperm chromatin, sperm apoptosis and expression of genes involved in heat stress and hypoxia?
Summary answer: Scrotal hyperthermia by exposure to sauna can induce a significant alteration of spermatogenesis.” (2)
This study used Finnish traditional saunas with high heat ranging from 176-194 degrees Fahrenheit and examined the sperm count of its ten participants over the course of a total of six months, and examined sperm count at the outset of sauna use, after 3 months of sauna use, and after six months six months of sauna use. The participants used a sauna twice a week for a duration of 15 minutes.
The segments of 3 months and 6 months are significant because although new sperm are produced daily, men still go through a 64 day total sperm regenerative cycle. According to Research Gate’s Publication on ‘Sperm Biology and Production”:
“This entire process from production to ejaculation of mature spermatozoa takes, on average, 64 days to complete.” (3)
The findings of the aforementioned study also suggests that the alterations of sperm production are not permanent:
“Our data demonstrated for the first time that in normozoospermic subjects, sauna exposure induces a significant but reversible impairment of spermatogenesis, including alteration of sperm parameters, mitochondrial function and sperm DNA packaging. The large use of Finnish saunas in Nordic countries and its growing use in other parts of the world make it important to consider the impact of this lifestyle choice on men’s fertility.”
Practically, what does this mean for men using a sauna regularly? If you are not actively trying to reproduce then it is unlikely that this study will have much impact on your sauna use. If you are concerned about how regular sauna bathing may impact your sperm count, then read on for suggestions on how to do so and still be mindful of your sperm count.
How Can Men Sauna Regularly While Still Caring For Their Sperm Count?
- Use a different type of sauna with lower temperatures
- Apply an ice pack to the testicals during sauna use
- Abstain from sauna use during reproductive stages of life
It should be stated again, sauna use does not annihilate sperm count. It should never be considered as a viable contraceptive as many males have impregnated women while using a sauna regularly.
Men may want to veer on the safe side and stick with an infrared sauna that produces similar results as a traditional sauna, but at much lower temperatures. In an infrared sauna, the internal body temperature still increases to high temperatures such as found in fevers, so this may not be the safest solution for sperm count, but may help somewhat. The atmospheric temperature of an infrared sauna can be as low as 120 degrees and still benefit the body immensely. This is significantly lower than 190 degrees as is the case in traditional saunas, or during the aforementioned study.
Regardless of the type of sauna being used, men can place an ice pack that is wrapped in cloth on their exposed genital area during a sauna to keep the testicles cool throughout the sauna regardless of sauna temperature. If you have ever tried a cryo chamber you will be familiar with the protective wear for male genitalia. Although not the most comfortable option, it will help to cool the testicles off.
Finally, it is important to remember that spermatogenesis regenerative cycle of 64 days if you are actively trying to reproduce. If reproduction or starting a family is your priority consider abstaining from sauna use for an entire regenerative cycle of your sperm. This means for roughly 2 months abstain from high heat exposure entirely. Once your mate has been impregnated then you can go back to your regular sauna use.
During this time if you are missing thermotherapy consider a cold plunge as this will still provide many benefits associated with sauna use, including immunological benefits, improved heat shock protein production and much more.
In short, high heat, including the use of the sauna, does affect sperm count. Is this irreversible? Yes! Does spermatogenesis continue to occur daily as well as cyclically during periods of sauna use? Yes! Nevertheless if you are particularly concerned with protecting your sperm for whatever reason consider using an infrared sauna instead of a traditional sauna that depends on extremely high temperatures. Also consider applying a cooling apparatus during your sauna to your genital region, or simply abstain during times that you want your sperm count to be at its highest.
Yes, Regular Sauna Use Affects Sperm Count, but Not Entirely, and Not Irreversibly
Depending on your particular life circumstance sperm count will be more or less important at any given time. The science is in, and saunas will lower your sperm count than if you did not sauna. Given how much research there is to support the use of sauna for all cause mortality, heart health, and other conditions perhaps consider using a sauna regularly, except for during times when fertility is an issue for you.
If you choose to abstain from sauna use for periods of 64 days more or less while trying to fertilize your partner, consider using a cold plunge as a substitute for your sauna use.
If you are working with a fertility specialist also consult with them to ensure that your sauna bathing is not interfering with your fertility potential. Remember that while you sauna you should always stay well hydrated, ensure that you are taking in enough magnesium, and directly after sauna use take some time to cool off your genitals before getting dressed for the day.
Sources Cited:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451965019301048#bib35
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23411620/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283864069_Sperm_Biology_from_Production_to_Ejaculation
- https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/how-long-does-it-take-for-sperm-to-regenerate#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
