Nothing says it’s summertime like long, hot days and humid, sweaty nights! Summer is a time when everyone feels a great deal of discomfort, and if really unlucky, they can experience health issues like dehydration, heat rashes or even heat exhaustion. For men, the intense heat and humidity of summer can bring about discomfort and health issues in more sensitive areas, such as the testicles, which are vulnerable to overheating, thus affecting both comfort and fertility.
In this article, we take a quick look at why it is important to maintain testicular health and the five best ways to protect testicles from heat during the summer season.
Testicles (commonly known as balls, nuts, male gonads, etc.) are two egg-shaped small organs that are a vital part of the male reproductive system. The primary function of the testicles is to produce sperm and essential hormones like testosterone, Anti-Mullerian hormone, Estradiol, Inhibin B and Insulin-like factor 3. The testicles are located within a bag of skin called the scrotum that hangs underneath the penis. The scrotum is located outside the body as the temperature of the testicles needs to be lower than the body’s overall temperature. This is to ensure good quality sperm is produced, which is why it is essential for preventing overheating of testicles.
With rising temperatures comes the challenge of dealing with summer heat, and scrotum health is one of the things that needs to be monitored by men during this time. As stated earlier, the testicles are outside the body to keep them at a lower temperature.
It is vital to make sure the testicles are kept cool. Soaring summer temperatures could negatively impact sperm quality, and prolonged heat exposure might even lead to male fertility issues. Along with quality, the sperm’s motility (the ability to move rapidly) could also be affected. Hormonal imbalances can also occur if issues like dehydration are not immediately resolved.
Apart from keeping just the testicles cool, it is also best to keep the entire scrotal area cool and dry to avoid any fungal growth or bacterial infections that may arise from excessive sweating and a general lack of hygiene.
Here are the top five cooling tips for male fertility that must be adopted to beat the heat and prevent the testicles from bearing the brunt of the searing summer months!
After a stressful and hectic day, most people head for hot showers or soak in hot tubs. For added relaxation, even a sauna may be used. However, during the harsh summer months, such practices should be discontinued as they increase body temperature and consequently lead to an increase in scrotal temperature. Instead, men may opt to go for cool baths and showers, swim in the evenings, or do light, non-impact exercises to beat the stress of the day.
While briefs may look cool, provide a snug fit and support, and even help reduce chafing, their usage during the hot summer months greatly stresses the testicles. Instead of briefs, switch to boxers. Boxers are a smart choice for the summer. They are usually made from light, breathable materials and allow for ample airflow, thus keeping the testicles cool and dry all day long. Also, wear loose and light-coloured clothing made from cool fabrics to keep the body’s overall temperature low.
This is one of the most handy tips to keep the testicles cool and dry! Scrotal sweating is one of the common issues most men face during hot summer days. Excessive sweating in this area could lead to itching, rashes, fungal or bacterial infections, etc., which could stress the testicles. To reduce sweating, men may use talcum powder or an antiperspirant in their scrotal region. This will ensure that sweat will be absorbed or reduced, thus leading to a reduction in itching and chafing. Cornstarch is yet another helpful alternative that can be used as a temporary measure in case talcum powder is not available.
The effect of summer heat can be brutal on the body. Dehydration is a huge risk. For optimal testicular health, hydration is essential. So, drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices during summer. Apart from hydration, it is essential to include nutritious and cooling food items like yoghurt in the diet. Make sure to include foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin B, as they can help in regulating the body’s temperature. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients and fibre and can be useful in maintaining overall health.
Nowadays, most people use laptops for work and even for play. As the name implies, this device’s main advantage is its portability. Most men place laptops directly on their laps while working or gaming. The heat generated by laptops is released through vents at the bottom of the device. When laptops are placed on the laps, this heated air directly flows towards the scrotal region, thus leading to overheating of the testicles. It is recommended to use laptops on a desk, a cooling pad, or a stand to avoid direct exposure to heat. Also, sit in cool and well-ventilated environments while relaxing or working.
Nature designed the testicles to be outside the body for a reason—they need to stay cooler than the rest of the body to function properly. While nature has played its part in ensuring optimal temperature regulation, we, too, need to play our role by protecting them from excessive heat. By adopting smart choices and being careful during the harsh summer months, men can keep their testicles cool and safeguard their health and vitality.
