Boxers or briefs – which are better for men
Oct 12, 2021
Most men do not consider whether the underwear they wear affects their sexual health. Most often, they buy underwear they are used to, regardless of its type or composition.
Briefs fit better on the body, especially with a well-maintained physique, and do not cause problems when walking, unlike boxers whose short legs often "roll up" towards the pelvis and cause discomfort. Briefs also keep the anatomical features of a man in one position, even during sports activities, and are associated with a lower probability of testicular torsion - a painful and dangerous twisting of the testicle, leading to the twisting of the spermatic cord.
Boxer shorts are more comfortable, suitable for larger men, offer more room for maneuver, sweating is more tolerable, and most importantly: they do not press the testicles against the body.
This is an important advantage because spermatogenesis – the formation of new sperm in the testicles – is strongly influenced by temperature. It should be several degrees lower than the overall body temperature. Higher temperatures slow down spermatogenesis, and the closer the testicles are to the skin, the more heat they absorb from the pelvic and thigh tissues. Encasing them in underwear and pants further raises the temperature, which affects testicular tissues and spermatogenesis and lowers male fertility.
This is a particularly important issue, as over 50% of cases of conception problems in couples stem from a reduced sperm count – a condition known as oligospermia.
The fabrics from which underwear is made are also important: cotton is universal; linen is stronger and more thermally conductive, making it excellent for hot weather; fabrics made of wool and silk fibers are less thermally conductive and are suitable for colder weather; bamboo underwear is incredibly breathable and does not retain odors; underwear suitable for sports activities may contain nylon fibers, but the material is not breathable and should not be worn for a long time.
It is advised to avoid underwear containing antibacterial materials, unless recommended by a doctor. Although effective, there is no scientific evidence regarding the safety or lack of interaction between the silver ions, on which the antibacterial properties of the fabrics are based, and the health of the testicles and the sperm produced in them.
