ELEVATED SCROTAL TEMPERATURE CAUSES MALE INFERTILITY
ELEVATED SCROTAL TEMPERATURE BY OUR MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF MALE INFERTILITY.
Introduction
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure of a heterosexual couple to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Thus, a couple is infertile if there is a lack of pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. Recent modifications are for a couple over the age of 30 years to consult a doctor after six months.
Causes of Infertility
In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of infertility has been notably variable, ranging from 20-46%. About 30% of infertility is due to female problems. And 30% to male issues, and 30% to combined male/female problems. While in 10%, there is no recognizable cause. In Nigeria, the prevalence is between 20 and 25 percent among married couples.
The causes of infertility are two leading causes:
Male infertility is principally due to poor semen parameters. And Female infertility when infertility is due to factors such as occlusions of fallopian tubes. In addition, uterine or endometrial abnormalities, abnormal cervix, and anovulation in the female partner.
Male factor infertility is a contributing factor causing infertility in 40-50% percent of cases. And is the sole cause of infertility in 15-20% of cases. This percentage recently peaked because of the focus on male infertility. And awareness has increased tremendously recently, leading to discoveries and new information about male infertility.
Causes of infertility in males:
The primary cause of male infertility is poor sperm count. In addition, concentration, poor motility and morphology, or a combination of the above. Factors that can lead to male infertility include exposure to heat for prolonged periods. Especially the scrotal region, Radiation exposure, Environmental pollutants, Genetic abnormalities, Heavy use of alcohol, Smoking, etc.
As mentioned above, recent studies have shown that elevated scrotal temperature is a significant cause of male infertility. Testicular function is temperature-dependent. It requires a temperature of 2C to 4C below core body temperature. Hence, the scrotal sac is outside the body. Scrotal hyperthermia is a well-documented mechanism of abnormal spermatogenesis. It causes male infertility, thus maintaining a temperature difference between the body and the scrotal sac. It is crucial to ensure the production of normal spermatozoa.
Effect of Modern Technology on Male Fertility:
Our modern technology has not been kind to the male reproductive system and significantly impacts raised scrotal temperature. Such as using laptops on the lap, EMF from mobile phones positioned to close the scrotum, prolonged car driving, sports cars, heated car seats, tight clothing, and others.
Causes of Elevated Scrotal Temperature
Laptops
The Laptop computer (LC) [PE1] is an active heat-generating device that exposes the scrotum to the dissipated high internal operating temperature. A working LC in a laptop position causes significant scrotal temperature elevation by a direct heating effect of the LC and the dependent sitting position, with closely approximated thighs, which is necessary to balance an LC on the lap.
Balancing laptop computers on the lap raises the scrotum’s temperature to around a 5 degrees Fahrenheit increase (or about 2.7 degrees Celsius), and studies indicate that sperm concentration and motility dropped by 40% when the median daytime scrotal temperature rose by 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit (or 1 degree Celsius).
Electromagnetic Waves (EMW) from Mobile Phones
The frequency of incoming waves and subsequent energy of transmitted waves by the mobile phone device can affect the general body and the male reproductive system. This EMF has detrimental effects on the motility and characteristics of spermatozoa, leading to a significant decrease in the percentage of forward-progressive motile sperm.
Also noted is a significant increase in the rate of mitochondrial ROS production and the level of 8- OHdG (Reactive oxygen species and free radicals that can alter the DNA and genetic composition of cells). RF-EMW emitted from mobile phones may increase oxidative stress in human spermatozoa, leading to decreased motility and viability characteristics. Studies showed that for heavy users of mobile phones, sperm counts were 30% lower than for men who did not use a mobile phone.
Therefore, exposure to mobile phones correlates with a significant decrease in melatonin in the body. It makes spermatozoa more susceptible to reactive oxygen species attack. Thus, one cannot ignore the effect of mobile phone EMW on the generation of oxidative stress. Such ignorance may result in dismal concerning male infertility and possible cancer. That is why the industry sells most mobile phones with an earpiece.
Heated Surfaces and Sports Cars
The heat from the front engine surface or heated car seat (especially sports cars due to the closeness to the front engine) further adds to scrotal temperatures elevated from the chair. Professional sports car drivers or occupational drivers and individuals with long daily commutes are more prone to increased scrotal temperatures, poorer sperm quality, and longer time to achieve pregnancy. The negative effect of long hours of driving and seated commuters increases in severity with the years spent engaging in such activities.
Tight Underwear
Although the effect of tight underwear versus boxer shorts on sperm parameters is inconclusive, it seems that tighter-fitting undergarments would leave less room for scrotal movement and air circulation. Thereby contributing to higher genital temperatures and, in turn, increasing scrotal temperature. A choice of clothing that encourages good airflow could minimize the deviation of physiological scrotal temperatures.
Hot Bath and Sauna
Using hot baths and saunas for relaxation and rejuvenation may make one feel better but negatively affect semen quality. Full-body immersion in a warm bath and hot tub. In addition, a heated Jacuzzi or whirlpool. Because they are at temperatures over 36.9°C for 30 min or more. Exposure a week for three months or more leads to wet hyperthermia, which could negatively affect sperm motility. Users of typical saunas experience moist heat and warmed surfaces, whereas modern infrared-type saunas offer dry, radiant heat. Studies show that, after sauna exposure, scrotal temperatures reach up to body temperatures within 10 minutes. And there is a significant but reversible negative effect on spermatogenesis. In saunas with temperatures ranging from 80–90°C and at different frequencies and duration of exposure, saunas could disrupt spermatogenesis and cause abnormal sperm count and motility.
Occupational or Residential Heat Exposure
Ambient heat is another factor that may contribute to heat stress in the male. Hotter environmental temperatures where a man lives or works cause ambient heat. Specific labor-intensive jobs entail exposure to long periods of intense, radiant heat. Welding exposes welders to substantial heat, toxic metals, and fumes. Studies involving these workers demonstrate a reversible decline in semen quality. Those working directly with sources of severe heat have a longer time to get pregnant. They include bakers and ceramic oven operators. It suggests that occupational heat exposure affects fertility. Men who work in close range to sources of intense heat, such as the rear end of a submarine (location of the motor), seem to face infertility-related problems.
