{"id":43098,"date":"2024-08-12T15:04:25","date_gmt":"2024-08-12T15:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-admin.givelegacy.com\/?p=43098"},"modified":"2025-11-24T18:19:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T18:19:43","slug":"are-short-shorts-bad-for-your-sperm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/short-shorts-sperm-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Are short shorts bad for your sperm?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Recently it became official, or as official as <em>GQ<\/em> could make it: The men\u2019s magazine declared this the \u201csummer of short shorts.\u201d Oscar-nominated actor Paul Mescal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gq.com\/story\/paul-mescal-short-shorts-gucci-show\">showed up<\/a> at a movie premiere rocking a very abbreviated inseam. \u201cI\u2019m a fan of the short inseam,\u201d he declared. Czech tennis star Tomas Machac has also drawn social-media buzz this season for his taste in super-short shorts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-1024x1024.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-768x768.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590-345x345.webp 345w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-paul-mescal1724338590.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px\"><em>Actor Paul Mescal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn gyms, on beaches, in streets, in bars, clubs, and in razor-sharp thirst traps, short shorts have prevailed,\u201d <em>GQ <\/em>said around Memorial Day of 2024. \u201cA display of ample thigh has been the summer ideal for men\u2026 the summer of 2024 is destined for slutty menswear and the people who love it once more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>TikTok is on it too, with viral videos proclaiming the glory of \u201choochie daddy shorts\u201d that reveal the upper legs. Between short shorts and crop tops, it appears men are embracing 70s, 80s, and 90s styles that allow them to show a bit more skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the summer of short shorts runs parallel with an unfortunate men\u2019s health trend: average sperm counts have been declining for decades, and continue to fall about 1.5% per year. At this rate, sperm counts could reach zero by the mid-2040s.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-tom-selleck1724338833-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-tom-selleck1724338833-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-tom-selleck1724338833-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-tom-selleck1724338833-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/short-shorts-sperm-health-tom-selleck1724338833.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px\"><em>The inspiration<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>That means it\u2019s necessary to leave no testicular-proximate stone unturned. Is it possible that what makes you a freak in the streets may not be great in the sheets, or for your sperm?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There\u2019s no research that looks specifically at the impact of short shorts on sperm health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We know from research on other clothing choices, like boxers vs. briefs, that looser, lighter clothing benefits sperm production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tighter clothing can increase testicular temperature and compression, potentially lowering sperm count and quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How short shorts could affect your testicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The main issues with hoochie daddy shorts are temperature and compression. In short, short shorts are more likely to squeeze and overheat the testes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sperm are produced in the testicles, which hang outside and away from the body for a very good biological reason. Sperm production happens optimally at about 93.2\u00baF, about 5\u00ba cooler than core body temperature. This is why the testicles retract or descend based on exposure to hot and cold. Anything that\u2019s holding them too close to the body isn\u2019t ideal for sperm production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stephanie Sabourin, an andrology-certified nurse and Legacy\u2019s Director of Clinical Services, says short shorts <em>could<\/em> pose a threat to sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou could debate both sides, couldn\u2019t you?\u201d she says. \u201cShorter shorts could be better ventilated, compared to something like skinny jeans, which may be more restrictive. But if they&#8217;re tight or hugging anything, they could be causing more harm than the benefits you&#8217;re getting from increased ventilation\u2026 I think, ultimately, they\u2019re not good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAnything you do that impacts scrotal temperature \u2014 from the clothing you wear to hot yoga class, hot tubs, saunas, or ice baths \u2014 is going to wreak havoc on your fertility,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s impairing both sperm production and sperm quality. To produce and maintain sperm, it needs to be at the ideal temperature.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe compression factor is a whole added piece,\u201d Sabourin adds. \u201cTighter clothing is going to reduce blood flow to the scrotal area,\u201d further compromising sperm production. Plus, short shorts necessitate tighter underwear, a double insult. \u201cYou\u2019re not wearing tight booty shorts with loose boxers,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Learn more about <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/how-your-underwear-choice-really-impacts-your-fertility\/\"><em>boxers vs. briefs: which is better for sperm<\/em><\/a><em>?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dressing for optimal sperm health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re concerned about your sperm health, there are a few things you should keep in mind. \u201cFor scrotal health, I always tell people, think looser and lighter clothing,\u201d said Sabourin, who has worked in men\u2019s health for more than a decade. \u201cWearing looser clothing can improve sperm parameters. It\u2019s supported by clinical research that shows significant improvements in sperm concentration and motility.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example: Researchers from the T.H. Chan Harvard School of Public Health found that, compared to men who wore tighter underwear like briefs, men who wore loose-fitting boxer shorts had better sperm.<sup>1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Improvements included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>25% higher sperm concentrations and 17% higher total sperm counts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher percentages of motile sperm, or sperm that are capable of moving through the female reproductive system and fertilizing an egg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>14% lower levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/the-hormones-that-drive-male-fertility\/\">hormone that drives sperm production<\/a>. Higher levels in briefs-wearers suggested that their bodies were working harder to rev up production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-1024x618.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-1024x618.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-300x181.png 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-768x463.png 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-1536x926.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/underwear-choice-male-fertility-sperm-concentration1724339036-2048x1235.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, this research involves underwear. Specific clinical data on short shorts is lacking. (But if the trend continues, can it be far behind?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And remember, summer is fleeting \u2014 as is fashion. Just this week <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/BritishGQ\/status\/1821142340268126495\"><em>British GQ<\/em><\/a> proclaimed, \u201cThe short short is dead. Welcome to the era of long-ass shorts.\u201d They may look ridiculous, but at least they\u2019ll be good for sperm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30102388\/\">Minguez-Alarcon et al, \u201cType of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center.\u201d 2018.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2024 is the summer of short shorts. But could this trend be  affecting testicular health and sperm production?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":43109,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"%%post_title%% How the trend could affect male reproductive health","_seopress_titles_desc":"2024 is the summer of short shorts. But could this trend be  affecting testicular health and sperm production?","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[134,114,136,239,155],"tags":[459,460,457,133,53,458,461,156],"class_list":["post-43098","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-male-fertility-basics-understanding-male-health","category-male-fertility-basics","category-male-fertility-basics-vasectomy-2","category-preconception-planning","tag-boxers","tag-briefs","tag-fashion","tag-increased-scrotal-temperature","tag-lifestyle","tag-shorts","tag-testicular-temperature","tag-underwear"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43098"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=43098"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43098\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48009,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43098\/revisions\/48009"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/43109"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=43098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=43098"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=43098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}