{"id":8751,"date":"2025-05-21T16:33:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T16:33:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/?p=8751"},"modified":"2025-06-16T22:12:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T22:12:00","slug":"can-icing-the-testicles-really-improve-fertility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/resources\/icing-testicles-to-improve-fertility\/","title":{"rendered":"Can icing the testicles improve fertility?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Fertility concerns can lead you to read some about some wild home remedies. Have you heard of this one: Icing the testicles to boost fertility?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are concerned about your fertility or have a low sperm count, you might be willing to try anything to improve it. But before you do, let\u2019s look at the claims about icing testicles to boost fertility \u2014 and what science says \u2014 to see if it\u2019s beneficial to your sperm and your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heat from fevers, exercise, baths, or sedentary lifestyle can affect sperm quality.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>However, there\u2019s no evidence that cooling the testes with ice packs or cold showers can help reduce the impact of heat or improve fertility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re trying to conceive, the best option is to avoid activities that increase your scrotal temperature \u2014 sperm quality will recover on its own.<\/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-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can cold plunging or icing your testicles improve sperm health?\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/91SkjGEyffY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does heat affect sperm production?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe testicles sit outside of the body for a specific reason,\u201d says Dr. Ramy Abou Ghayda, urologist and chief medical officer at Legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spermatogenesis (sperm production) happens best when the testicles are a few degrees lower than body temperature, around 95\u201396\u00baF. You may notice that your sack hangs lower on a hot day. This is your body\u2019s way of helping heat dissipate so your testicles can cool down. Conversely, when it\u2019s cold, the testicles retract toward the body to preserve heat. It\u2019s all about maintaining that ideal temperature to help you produce quality sperm.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe have a strong body of evidence that shows if you expose the testicles to too much heat, it may affect sperm production,\u201d says Ghayda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This may not exactly be breaking news, but testicles are highly sensitive. Studies have found that even small increases in testicular temperature (1\u20132\u00b0F) can affect sperm parameters like concentration, motility (movement), and morphology (shape).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The extent of the impact depends on how much heat, how long, and how regularly the exposure happens. One study found that sperm concentration dropped 40% for each 1\u00b0C increase in scrotal temperature during the daytime.<sup>1<\/sup> In a 2024 animal study, researchers found that damage to sperm DNA and mitochondria was present 35 days after nearly a week of heat exposure.<sup>2<\/sup>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some activities that can cause detrimental heat exposure when done on a regular (i.e., daily) basis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sitting in a hot tub or sauna<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wearing very tight underwear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Intensive cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working with a laptop on your lap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Having a high fever<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Really, anything that increases the temperature around the scrotum can impact sperm production, possibly harming fertility. But research has found that sperm production can recover after heat stress is stopped.<sup>3<\/sup> So does helping your testicles cool down aid that recovery? Does icing your balls regularly promote sperm production? Let\u2019s find out.&nbsp;<\/p>\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=\"952\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1024x952.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1024x952.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-300x279.png 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-768x714.png 768w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-1536x1428.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/vasectomy-FAQs-male-reproductive-anatomy-2048x1905.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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Testicle-cooling devices \u2014 how do they work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are actual \u201ctesticle coolers,\u201d products that claim they lower testicular temperature and improve fertility. Snowballs are a brand of cooling underwear that hold ice packs to bring down the temperature of your scrotum. Similarly, the Underdog consists of a wedge-shaped ice pack to cool your testicles while you\u2019re sitting for long periods. The CoolMen gadget is a pricey wearable testicle cooler that connects to your smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the products include special underwear or are designed to sit on and cool your genital area \u2014 a fancy way of getting an ice pack closer to your balls. But, a strategically placed bag of frozen peas in a dishcloth probably has the same effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The question isn\u2019t about the design. Does icing your testicles actually work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is there any evidence that icing the testicles improves fertility?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Dr. Ghayda, the short answer is no. \u201cThese devices are not necessary,\u201d he says.&nbsp; There is no evidence that decreasing the temperature of the testicles with ice packs will improve sperm production. (The exception may be very specific situations, such as cases of undescended testicles.)<sup>4<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe know that heat can cause damage to sperm,\u201d states Ghayda, \u201cbut there is no evidence to say that icing testicles will be of benefit,\u201d or will compensate for the damage of heat. Reviews of the scientific research have produced inconclusive results. A 2013 review of studies published in the <em>Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/em> concluded there \u201cwas insufficient evidence to draw any firm conclusions about the impact of scrotal cooling on male fertility,\u201d and said well-designed controlled studies were needed.<sup>5<\/sup> These have yet to materialize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most studies show that stopping the regular heat exposure leads to sperm quality and production returning to normal on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about testosterone and cold showers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the myth that \u201ccold showers improve testosterone levels,\u201d there\u2019s no evidence that cooling or icing the testicles affects testosterone, a hormone that\u2019s crucial for sperm production. Research shows that exposure to cooler temperatures may be associated with lower testosterone levels.<sup>6<\/sup> One study found that cold exposure after exercise actually reduced testosterone levels among 19-year-old men.<sup>7<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The bottom line on icing your balls: No clear benefit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking long hot showers, baths, or jacuzzis daily can potentially harm your sperm quality and production. But taking cold showers or placing ice packs on your testicles won\u2019t necessarily provide any benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s important to exercise caution when placing an ice pack on any part of the body. If not used correctly, placing an ice pack directly on the skin can lead to ice burns and even frostbite. If you decide to use an ice pack at home, never put it directly on the skin. Always cover the ice pack with a cloth or towel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve your sperm quality by reducing heat exposure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Evidence shows that too much heat exposure regularly can damage your sperm. Exactly how often and how much remains unknown. But if you have fertility concerns, are trying to conceive, or just want to improve your sperm health, you might want to reduce your exposure to extreme heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dr. Ghayda recommends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wearing loose underwear that lets air circulate your testicles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temporarily eliminating activities that cause excessive heat exposure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/sperm-improvement-guide\/\">how to improve your sperm health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Try a semen analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019ve started on a fertility journey or you\u2019re just curious about where your fertility stands, a semen analysis is an excellent way to understand your sperm health. Sperm production reboots about every three months, so if any sperm-health issues are identified, you can make lifestyle changes and reassess.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1329ae13\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-4fd5cacd\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-6446e806\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7543e863\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"540\" height=\"540\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7543e863\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944.webp\" alt=\"Man opening Legacy at-home sperm testing kit\" title=\"openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944.webp 540w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/openingkit_donniemodel_livingroom_540x5401721323944-345x345.webp 345w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 540px) 100vw, 540px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-8c34c375\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f5b90abb gb-headline-text gb-headline-545ba7d5\">How healthy is your sperm?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-3bce79ad gb-headline-text gb-headline-864305d0\">Take our 3-minute quiz to find out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\na:link {\n  text-decoration: none;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-container gb-container-219b7976 legacy-segment\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.givelegacy.com\/\" data-segment=\"{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Quiz Opened&quot;,&quot;options&quot;:{&quot;element_id&quot;:&quot;808e7de5-e27b-44b7-8140-1f65b6779e72&quot;}}\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f4eb10ab gb-headline-text gb-headline-85062f44 btn-link\">Get started<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-563d254a\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"48\" height=\"49\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-563d254a\" src=\"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/wp-content\/uploads\/icons\/arrow-right-circle-2.png\" alt=\"arrow-right-circle-white\" title=\"arrow-right-circle-white\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/12128094\/\">1. Hjollund, et. al. \u201cImpact of diurnal scrotal temperature on semen quality. Reproductive Toxicology, 2002<\/a>.<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/s0890-6238(02)00025-4\">&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fertstert.org\/article\/S0015-0282(24)00735-0\/fulltext\">2. Miyzaki et al. \u201cEffects of experimental testicular heat exposure on sperm DNA integrity and mitochondrial activity,\u201d 2024.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S1642431X18304030\">3. Abedlhamid et al. \u201cExperimental mild increase in testicular temperature has drastic, but reversible, effect on sperm aneuploidy in men: A pilot study,\u201d 2019.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15811070\/\">4. Jung et al. \u201cImprovement of semen quality by nocturnal scrotal cooling in oligozoospermic men with a history of testicular maldescent,\u201d 2005.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/23654310\/\">5. Nikolopolous, et al. \u201cScrotal cooling and its benefits to male fertility: a systematic review,\u201d 2013.&nbsp;<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/infectagentscancer.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/1750-9378-2-20\">6. Shevchuk et al. \u201cPossible stimulation of anti-tumor immunity using repeated cold stress: a hypothesis,\u201d 2007.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1890772\/\">7. Sakamoto et al. \u201cEffects of physical exercise and cold stimulation on serum testosterone level in men,\u201d 1991.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Does icing your testicles increase fertility or improve sperm quality? Read more to find out what fertility experts have to say about cooling your balls.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":8753,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Can icing your testicles improve fertility, testosterone, or sperm count? - Legacy Sperm Experts","_seopress_titles_desc":"Does icing your testicles increase fertility or improve sperm quality? Read more to find out what fertility experts have to say about cooling your balls.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17,18],"tags":[133,322,115],"class_list":["post-8751","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-boosting-semen-parameters","category-improving-sperm-health","tag-increased-scrotal-temperature","tag-testicle-cooling","tag-testicular-health"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8751"}],"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=8751"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8751\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":47401,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8751\/revisions\/47401"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8751"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8751"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.givelegacy.com\/vnext\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8751"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}