Table 3.
Effects of increase in scrotal temperature through scrotal insulation on total sperm count in men
| Authors | Heating | Nb a | Effect on sperm number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Method | Daily duration | Frequency | During heating | After heating | ||||
| Period w b |
Mean value c |
Start w |
Max. value d |
|||||
| Robinson & Rock 1967 [90] | Insulating (oilcloth) underwear SAT e +0.8 °C |
Daytime | Every day for 6 to 10 weeks | 10 | w 3–9 w 10 |
<50% [5–20%] |
w 1–3 w 10 w 11 w 12–14 |
<50% 157% 225% 170% |
| Wang et al. 1997 [91] | Athletic supports with either 1 or 2 layers of P f, or 1 P layer plus 1 Al g –impregnated P layer SAT +0.8–1 °C |
>20 h | Every day for 24 to 52 weeks | 21 | No effect whatever the number or type of layers | |||
Legend: a number of men; b weeks; c mean value of total sperm number/initial total sperm number (%); d maximal value of total sperm number/initial total sperm number (%); e SAT scrotal achieved temperature; f polyester; g aluminum