Male Fertility: Separating Fact from Fiction

New research has revealed that men across the UK are struggling to separate male fertility facts from misconceptions – with many long-held beliefs still widely accepted despite limited scientific evidence.

According to the study by TFP Fertility, half of UK men (50%) believe wearing tight underwear can affect fertility. Fertility specialists say this belief is one of the few on the list with some truth behind it, as scrotal temperature can influence sperm production.

However, the research also shows that many other commonly repeated ideas are misconceptions. 

More than a quarter (27%) of men think using a laptop on their lap or being hit in the groin can reduce sperm count, while 26% believe frequent masturbation is harmful – despite evidence suggesting that regular ejaculation may actually improve sperm quality by reducing DNA damage.

The findings highlight a wider uncertainty around what genuinely impacts male fertility and what is overblown.

Dr Justin Chu, Medical Director at TFP Fertility, said: “There’s a mix of fact and fiction in many of these beliefs. Some, such as keeping the testes cool, do have a scientific basis. But others, from cycling to masturbation, simply aren’t supported by evidence. This research shows just how unclear the picture is for many men.”

He added: “The factors that make the biggest difference are lifestyle-related: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight and poor diet. These are the areas men should focus on if they want to support their fertility.”

TOP 10 MALE FERTILITY BELIEFS – FACT OR FICTION?

1. Wearing tight underwear (50%) – Fact, with caveats: increased heat can impact sperm quality

2. Using a laptop on your lap (27%) – Largely fiction

3. Being hit in the groin (27%) – Temporary effects only

4. Frequent masturbation (26%) – Fiction: may actually help

5. Having your phone in your pocket (23%) – Fiction

6. Cycling (22%) – Mostly fiction outside extreme, prolonged cycling

7. Supplement usage (19%) – Dependent on type; mixed evidence

8. Having sex every day lowers your chances of conception (14%) – Fiction

9. A man’s fertility doesn’t decline with age (14%) – Fiction: sperm quality declines too

10. If you’ve had a child before, you’re always fertile (8%) – Fiction

While some beliefs contain a grain of truth, experts stress that everyday habits such as occasionally placing a laptop on your lap are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on fertility.

TFP Fertility encourages men to rely on evidence-based guidance rather than online speculation and to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support reproductive health.

For more information, visit www.tfp-fertility.com.