Male infertility affects about one in every seven couples. There are many reasons why a man may become infertile: among them are low sperm production, blockages, or abnormal sperm function. Overheating of the testicles is also a cause.
Heat and Sperm Production
For optimal sperm production, the temperature needs to be 2-4 degrees lower than the body temperature. Therefore, the scrotum, where the testicles are located, is outside the body. Sperm production is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature, and excessive heat can cause sperm cells to die.
A network of veins surrounding the testes and extending back into the body functions to draw heat away from the testicles, preventing overheating. The cremaster muscle, which protects the testes, also helps by relaxing and allowing the scrotum to hang away from the body when the body is heated. When the body experiences cold, this same muscle contracts to draw the testes closer to the body for warmth.
When the testes are exposed to high levels of heat, sperm production decreases. Continued exposure can also cause the production of abnormally shaped sperm cells. The lowered number and quality of sperm result in infertility.
