Synthetic fabrics have become a staple in our wardrobes since the 1960s, enveloping our bodies for nearly a century. This widespread adoption, however, has had a concerning impact. In the industrialized world, average sperm counts have declined by a staggering 52.4% between 1973 and 2011. The culprit? Polyester underwear, which secretly disrupts hormones, lowers testosterone, and even causes infertility.
In this guide, we’ll explore the relationship between polyester underwear and testosterone, exploring how this fabric interferes with the expression of testosterone, its synthesis, and sperm production.
Polyester Underwear Decreases Fertility in Men
Male fertility, as assessed by average sperm count, has been on a steady decline since World War II. The decline coincides with the introduction of synthetic clothing in the Western world – a correlation that can’t be ignored.
Exploring this, a groundbreaking study conducted by the late Cairo University Professor, Ahmed Shafik, revealed a direct link: polyester underwear does indeed decrease sperm count.
The shocking study explored the impact of different underwear materials on sperm productions in dogs. It divided 24 dogs into two groups of 12 – one wearing 100% cotton underpants, the other 100% polyester, for 24 months.
Researchers analyzed the dogs’ semen samples, testicular biopsies, and hormone levels monthly, and what they found is alarming. After only 12-16 months, the polyester group showed significantly decreased sperm count and motility, with more abnormal shapes. By 24 months, all polyester dogs showed poor semen quality, accompanied with testicular degeneration.
Interestingly, 10 of 12 dogs recovered normal sperm counts within 12 months of removing the polyester undergarments, which further demonstrates polyester’s role in the fertility shifts.
This leads to a substantial hypothesis – polyester underwear likely deteriorates sperm production in humans as well. However, the effects may be even worse in humans, considering additional factors.
To illustrate, the semen deterioration and other effects observed in the study occurred in the absence of heat or overly tight underwear – the pants were made to be loose-fitting to avoid insulation. Given that, when humans wear tight polyester clothes, especially in the heat, that may exacerbate the effects.
How Polyester Inhibits Reproduction
How did polyester impair dogs’ sperm production without heat or constriction? According to researchers in the study, polyester generates negative electrostatic charges through friction on the scrotum. These charges, in return, induce positive charges on the scrotal skin surface, which creates an “electrostatic field” traversing the scrotal area, ultimately, disrupting cellular function.
The scrotum and testes are incredibly delicate organs, where seemingly minor external factors can dramatically affect sperm production.
Polyester Underwear And Testosterone: Scrotal Heat Stress
Polyester is a thermoplastic fiber – it can alter its dimensions, can be melted and molded in different ways, and cause an increase in temperature when exposed to heat. Due to this, it is not thermoregulating and doesn’t breathe as well as natural fabrics.
When polyester underwear traps heat and moisture close to the intimate area, the scrotal temperature rises. As a result, it interferes with testosterone production.
Researchers investigated the link between testicular temperature and testosterone levels in young bulls with low semen production. After administering GnRH, a hormone, they monitored the bulls’ testicular function and scrotal surface temperature. The study found that bulls with lower scrotal surface temperatures had higher testosterone concentrations (around 15 ng/ml) compared to those with higher temperatures (around 11 ng/ml) following the hormone therapy.
This led researchers to an important discovery: elevated scrotal temperatures can inhibit testosterone production. Given polyester’s chemical structure, which makes it less breathable and more prone to heat retention, it is an unsuitable fabric option for underwear, as it fails to regulate testicular temperature and leads to scrotal heat stress.
So, in order to maintain healthy testosterone levels, we recommend steering away from tight, synthetic undergarments and opting for loose, breathable, natural options.
Polyester Underwear Diminishes Sexual Desire
Another study explored the relationship between polyester underwear and testosterone – this time, through the lens of electrostatic charges. 50 men participated in the study, divided into the following 4 groups based on different underpants materials:
- 100% polyester
- 50-50 polyester/cotton blend
- 100% cotton
- 100% wool
Over twelve months, the study assessed sexual desire and activity frequency across these four groups.
The methodology involved measuring electrostatic potentials on the penis and scrotum via an electrostatic kilovoltmeter. The researchers performed sexual behavior assessments before the study period, at six and twelve months, and six months after underpant removal. Subsequently, they determined potency by checking for penile erection, vaginal entry, and ejaculation occurrence.
At the end of the study, researchers came to a shocking conclusion. Men wearing 100% polyester and polyester-mix underpants exhibited diminished sexual desire and activity levels. Considering this, polyester underwear not only decreases testosterone but also diminishes sexual libido.
Polyester Underwear Contains Endocrine-Disruptors
Polyester should be avoided in underwear and beyond, as it contains hormone-disrupting phthalates, heavy metals, and allergy-provoking dyes. These toxins linger on the fabric and are readily absorbed through the skin. As a result, they end up interfering with the endocrine system and affect your fertility – with each and every wear.
One such concerning compound found in polyester is tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) isocyanurate (TBC), which refers to a certain type of brominated flame retardants. This compound boasts convenient properties, such as durability, resistance, and thermal stability, which is why it serves as a common additive in polyester fibers.
A recent study detected TBC in polyester microplastic fibres, which altered the behavior of zebrafish in the water, causing behavioral hyperactivity. This finding suggests that TBC bioaccumulates in the marine life via waterborne and foodborne exposure (when released into the environment), indicating its persistence and far-reaching implications.
So, why is this problematic? Well, TBC is proven to increase progesterone production while inhibiting testosterone production. It also diminishes Cyp17a1 mRNA expression, which represents the key enzyme that metabolizes progesterone to testosterone. This, of course, leads to an imbalance in these crucial hormones, further demonstrating the negative relationship between polyester underwear and testosterone.
Polyester Underwear And Testosterone: Final Thoughts
The evidence against wearing polyester underwear is overwhelming. From releasing harmful electrostatic charges to trapping moisture, this fabric harms both female and male fertility in a myriad of ways. Perhaps, the most concerning hazard is the exposure to TBC, a flame retardant found in polyester that decreases testosterone synthesis. However, there’s more toxins lingering in the fabric, such as phthalates, formaldehyde, disperse dyes, and more.
Overall, the consequences of wearing polyester undergarments are troubling. So, in order to safeguard your reproductive health, we recommend switching to natural fabric alternatives, such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, and wool.
Ultimately, the solution is simple: keep polyester at a distance from your intimate areas to preserve your sexual vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does polyester underwear lower testosterone?
Yes, polyester underwear lowers testosterone levels and diminishes fertility. The fabric decreases sperm count, motility, and causes testicular degeneration, which is linked to lower testosterone production.
What are the alternatives to polyester underwear?
To avoid the negative effects of polyester underwear, consider switching to natural fabric alternatives such as organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, or bamboo. These fabrics are breathable, moisture-wicking, and less likely to disrupt hormonal balance compared to synthetic materials like polyester.
Can you recover sperm production after discontinuing polyester underwear?
In studies involving dogs, it was observed that removing polyester undergarments led to a recovery of normal sperm counts within 12 months. However, individual recovery times may vary depending on factors such as overall health, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.
