One of the most common causes of low sperm count is easily reversible with a simple lifestyle change. The testes must exist at an optimal temperature for sperm production. The testes are meant to be several degrees lower than the rest of the body, and a change of just a few degrees can cause low sperm count.

Briefs and tight underwear can cause an increase in the temperature of the testes, causing it to rise above that optimal range. This can have a negative impact on male fertility. You don’t want to create a constricted environment for the testes, where sperm production occurs. Therefore, you should wear boxers and sufficiently loose pants when you and your partner are trying to conceive.

It’s not enough to simply wear boxers just before you plan on trying to conceive. It takes several weeks for the body to produce sperm, and an interruption at any point during that time can cause issues with sperm count. Plan to keep up your lifestyle changes until conception occurs.

If you wear briefs, making the switch to boxers will be the first suggestion by your doctor to increase fertility. If you continue to try to conceive for 6 months to a year with no success, then your doctor may look at other causes of your problem, and other options to increase fertility.