Improved seminal characteristics in infertile men after a conservative treatment regimen based on the avoidance of testicular hyperthermia

Evidence to support the contention that avoidance of testicular hyperthermia (due to hot baths and/or tight clothing) will improve fertility is, in the main, anecdotal. Semen samples derived from 128 infertile men were analyzed before and after a 3-month conservative treatment regimen. Six seminal characteristics were studied. Clinical evaluation included normal bath temperature, types of underwear worn, and past history of hernia repair, orchiopexy, or varicocelectomy. The patients were divided into three groups (A to C) according to sperm density and then subclassified on the basis of progressive motility status. The results show that a significant, or approaching significant, improvement in seminal characteristics occurs in certain groups of oligospermic individuals with pretreatment progressive motility of < 40%. In clinical trials, it should be recognized that any improvement in seminal quality following pharmacologic or surgical intervention may include a contribution from conservative treatment.