Bathing hot water is dangerous for men – Urologist
A senior medical specialist and consultant urologist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Prof. Matthew Yamoah Kyei, has advised men facing fertility challenges to steer clear of hot water baths, warning that they can negatively affect sperm production.
Speaking in a report published by graphiconline.com on July 11, 2025, Prof. Kyei explained that elevated temperatures can interfere with the body’s ability to produce healthy sperm. He emphasized the importance of keeping the testes cool to support optimal sperm formation.
According to him, while the body’s core temperature typically stays between 36 and 37 degrees Celsius, the scrotum—which houses the testes—needs to be slightly cooler, around 33 to 34 degrees, to function properly.
“Anything, including hot water baths, that raises the temperature of the testes brings it closer to body temperature, which compromises sperm production,” he said.
He added that too much heat can damage or even kill sperm, leading to infertility.
“The basis of male fertility is being able to produce healthy sperms strong enough to travel through the woman to fertilise the egg,” Prof. Kyei stated.
He noted that the impact of heat on sperm is immediate.
“It doesn’t matter how long you take the bath. Once the testes are heated, all the sperms forming at that moment may be destroyed, and the fragile ones affected. The healthiest ones might survive,” he indicated.
Since it takes about three months for sperm to fully mature, Prof. Kyei explained, the effects of heat exposure might not show up until weeks later.
He also cautioned that men who work in high-temperature settings, such as in ship engine rooms or mining sites, and those who frequently ride motorbikes, may face a greater risk of infertility.
Highlighting male infertility as a major factor in couples’ struggles to conceive, he said:
“Male infertility—the inability to produce sperm or healthy sperm—accounts for about 50 per cent of cases where couples are unable to conceive.”
Prof. Kyei also listed several other causes of male infertility, including varicose veins in the scrotum (which trap heat), overexertion from weightlifting, illicit drug use (such as marijuana and cocaine), cigarette smoking, and anabolic steroid use.
“In the case of anabolic steroids, they suppress normal testosterone, which is needed for sperm production. Though users gain big muscles, their testicles shrink — a condition known as testicular atrophy,” he said.
He added that infections like epididymitis and sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia can also lead to infertility.
The good news, Prof. Kyei noted, is that male infertility is often treatable.
“Because the testes produce sperm daily, once the cause is removed, healthy sperm may reappear in three to six months.”
However, he warned that some damage—such as that caused by steroids, severe trauma, or prolonged drug use—could be permanent.
To protect their fertility, he urged men to avoid exposing the scrotal area to heat, including the practice of wearing multiple layers of underwear.
“You don’t need to wear both boxers and briefs—choose one,” he said.
He also pointed out that testicle size can be an indicator of fertility.
“The testis should measure more than 2.5 centimetres from top to bottom. Anything smaller suggests reduced sperm production.”
Pain or discomfort in the testicles, he added, may be a sign that something is wrong.
Prof. Kyei encouraged men who are having trouble conceiving with their partners to consider getting a semen analysis, noting that it’s a simpler and less invasive process compared to female fertility testing.
“If the results show no sperm, men should consider accepting donor sperm, which still gives them the opportunity to have a child,” he said.