It can reduce your sperm count
Did you know that testicles need to be kept in an airy and temperature-regulated environment?
Human testicles are usually kept at 95 ˚F (two degrees lower than your body temperature), and you may notice that they contract or relax to either draw the testes closer to the body for warmth or away to cool down.
This is because if scrotal temperature is increased just a few degrees higher, it can lead to spermatogenesis and cause infertility.
One study which exposed participants’ testes to microwave radiation for thirty minutes at three-week intervals found that their testes maintained heat of 104-108˚F and some ended up with infertility.
A different study had men wear insulated jockstraps for six to fourteen weeks, leading to decreased sperm count after three weeks of use.
Underwear can also promote this warmth.
You might get a rash (skaman306 / Getty)
Lack of air circulation down below
Proper ventilation is key when it comes to down below.
According to the experts: “Our skin regenerates at night, but it can only successfully do so with proper ventilation.
“Underwear reduces airflow to these areas, keeping bacteria and sweat close to the skin.”
If you don’t have proper air circulation, it can lead to folliculitis, blocked pores, and odors.
It might even cause acne-like breakouts in the thigh and groin area.
Your sleep might be interrupted (Ekaterina Vasileva-Bagler / Getty)
Not so great sleep
If you’re not comfortable at night, your sleep quality will plummet.
Underwear material can become twisted, bunched, or even dig into the kin, interrupting your sleep.
Lack of good quality sleep has been linked to poor focus, grogginess and overall annoyance.
You’re at risk of rashes and infections (Johner Images / Getty)
Fungal infections
Remember how I said you can get fungal infections via skin irritation?
You can also get them (and thrush) because the bacteria thrive on a damp, dark and warm environment.
It’s also quite easy to develop this if you go to bed wearing the same underwear you wore in the day.
Your fertility might be lowered (John Kevin / Getty)
Hormone disruption
A lot of underwear is made from synthetic fibers, which are then treated with flame-retardant chemicals, dyes, and finishes.
This can transfer to the skin after wearing them for a long time, which could then mess with your ‘endocrine system, disrupting hormone balance’.
According to the underwear company: “The long-tern risks are still being studied; it’s recommended to avoid unnecessary exposure where possible, like during the six to nine hours of sleep.”
So, what’s the cure? Take off your undies.
Without them, you’ll let your skin breathe, reduce the risk of infection and also support male fertility.
If you don’t want to go fully nude, wear some light cotton PJs, so you’re covered but able to get that air flow.
