How testicle temperature influences sperm quality
Male infertility can be caused by numerous factors, this as a result of its effect on the generation and maturation of sperm in the testicles. Among these factors we can mention elevated testicular temperature, which is our topic in question for this specific article.
Between 35.5° and 36° the temperature of the testicles is considered normal, which is why any type of elevation above these figures will have a negative impact on the sperm maturation process. which usually begin in the seminiferous tubules.
Let's see below why high testicular temperature lowers the quality of sperm.
High testicular temperature lowers sperm quality
When the testicular temperature is high, it usually influences the semen quality, which is why in order to know sperm production correctly, it is necessary that the temperature of the testicles be adequate.
When the temperature is high, then semen quality decreases, this results in lower sperm production, motility is also decreased and favors a quite altered way of sperm, this results in heat in the testicles.
To obtain an accurate result it is important to analyze through a spermatogram to obtain a reliable and accurate result of the testicular temperature with the semen sample.
When the sperm is exposed to heat, it generates an increase in DNA fragmentation, and this produces infertility problems, which results in an increased risk of miscarriages and also implantation failures.
What causes elevated temperature in the testicles
Elevated temperature in the testicles can be caused by several circumstances, among them we have:
Cryptorchidism
It is when the testicle has not yet descended, this occurs in the first years of a man's life, however, it does not usually happen with cryptorchidism.
The varicocele
This is the dilation of the veins that usually surround the testicle, this causes an increase in temperature as much more blood flows through the scrotum, which results in testicular functioning being affected.
In addition, varicocele is a frequent cause of low production and also low quality of sperm, which can undoubtedly cause sterility.
Varicocele can also cause the testicles to not develop properly or cause them to shrink. It is very likely that this condition will manifest itself over time, however, varicocele is usually easy to diagnose and most do not require any prior treatment. If it usually causes some type of symptoms, then it must be operated on surgically.
Among the pain that varicocele can cause is:
- Mild discomfort and sharp pain.
- The pain increases when you are standing or doing physical exertion for long periods.
- The pain usually worsens as the day goes by and does not subside.
- When you lie on your back, the pain usually decreases.
- An alteration in fertility occurs.
If this is your case, keep in mind that, over time, the varicocele can enlarge and become much more evident, the condition can cause swelling of the testicle, this almost always occurs on the left side.
In addition to these two cases, there are other reasons that we mention below:
- When we use jacuzzis and saunas, both tend to alter sperm quality.
- Cycling, when done for a long time, usually raises the temperature of the testicle.
- When wearing clothing that is tight in the lower part, this usually includes men's underwear.
- When equipment such as a laptop is used in the lower abdomen or placing a cell phone in the genital area or in a pants pocket, the temperature of the testicle can increase.
Effect of environmental temperature on the testicles
The ambient temperature also usually influences, it can affect the increase in the temperature of the testicles, when it is very hot, this is when the testicles begin to descend much more than usual, this in order to reduce their temperature.
However, when it is cold, the scrotal sac contracts, which is when the testicles usually get much closer to the abdominal cavity. In summer, in many countries the ambient temperature can reach 40 °C, which is why it must be taken into account that it can affect male fertility, this usually occurs even if the body is not subjected to those temperatures, either due to the use of air conditioning, among others.
It may interest you:
Is heat damage to sperm reversible?
If the effect of heat on sperm is reversible, this is because they usually regenerate in three-month cycles. If the testicles have been exposed to temperatures that are high for more than 3 months, then the sperm that form later will not suffer the effects of the increased temperature.
In those cases where the man has suffered from cryptorchidism or varicocele, the semen may improve, however, it may not become normal again, since there are other factors that are involved, in addition to having produced a increased temperature in the testicles.
Medical check
It is recommended in patients with testicular temperature and infertility to perform a complete study, this will allow the specialist to:
- Manage to treat all those alterations that are correctable.
- Being able to identify the conditions will allow us to offer assisted reproduction techniques with the use of sperm from the same patient.
- It must be identified where the recovery of viable male gametes is impossible to offer appropriate assisted reproduction techniques with sperm from a donor or adoption.
- It is important to recognize those serious diseases that could manifest as infertility in men.
Medical tests
The specialist may perform additional tests to identify the causes of infertility, tests include:
- A scrotal ultrasound, which is an examination where high-frequency sound waves are used to produce images of the inside of the body. Through this examination the specialist will be able to see if there is a varicocele or any other problem in the testicles.
- Hormone analysis, when the blood test is performed, it measures the level of testosterone among other hormones.
- A transrectal ultrasound, this exam allows the specialist to check the prostate to find out if there is an obstruction in the channels where semen is transported.
- Genetic tests, when performing a blood test, you can see if there is any change in the chromosome, in addition to any sign of genetic abnormality (inherited or congenital syndromes).
- After ejaculation, a urinalysis is performed. This test indicates whether sperm is released into the bladder instead of out of the penis during ejaculation.
- Analysis to corroborate seminal function, that is, the survival of sperm after ejaculation.
- The testicular biopsy, in this case a sample is taken with a needle from a testicle.
Treatment
Among the treatments for infertility in men are:
- Surgery is used to correct the varicocele or to repair any type of obstruction in the different ducts.
- Treatment with antibiotics, in case of infections; However, this does not mean that fertility is restored.
- Hormonal medications.
- Obtain sperm through assisted reproductive techniques treatments, this through normal ejaculation.
Tips to maintain proper testicular temperature
It is important that men who have testicular temperature and infertility have adequate control, which is why the following should be avoided:
- Pants that are tight and tight underwear, it is advisable to wear clothes that are much looser.
- Avoid sitting for many hours at a time. And if necessary, use a gamer cushion like this LINK
- It is not advisable to have laptops among other hot objects for a long time near the genital area.
- Sports like long bike rides or long spinning classes. In these cases it is important to use a prostate saddle like this LINK
In those cases where the person has pathologies such as cryptochidism or varicocele, it is necessary to carry out an early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the time that the testicles have been subjected to elevated temperatures. Visiting the specialist is the best way to find out if you have testicular temperature and infertility.
