Could saunas and ice baths affect male fertility? Here’s what the evidence says

Katja Forster/Getty Images The internet’s obsession with “ maxxing ” has turned almost every aspect of self-improvement into a trend.

Young men now swap tips on optimising everything from sleep and appearance to testosterone, longevity and mental performance.

Male fertility has increasingly been drawn into that world, too.

Social media is awash with advice ranging from sensible lifestyle changes to more questionable suggestions, such as icing the testicles, eating raw garlic and taking long lists of supplements.

Saunas and ice bath “ cold plunges ” have become especially popular, promoted as ways to boost testosterone, improve sperm health and increase the chances of conception.

But how much of this advice is actually supported by evidence? And could some of these popular wellness practices have the opposite effect to the one intended? Where hype meets evidence One of the biggest misconceptions behind many of these claims is that testosterone and fertility are essentially the same thing.

They aren’t.

Testosterone is essential for normal male reproductive function.

However, higher blood testosterone – as many online wellness claims promise – does not automatically produce healthier sperm or improve the likelihood of conception.

In fact, taking testosterone can suppress sperm production.

The American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine advise against testosterone therapy for men interested in current or future fertility.

The distinction between testosterone and fertility is also important when it comes to saunas and cold plunges, which are often touted to benefit both.

Saunas or cold plunges may indeed improve sleep, reduce stress or support general wellbeing.

But those benefits should not be confused with evidence of improved fertility.