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Table 3 Effects of increase in scrotal temperature through scrotal insulation on total sperm count in men

From: Hormonal, chemical and thermal inhibition of spermatogenesis: contribution of French teams to international data with the aim of developing male contraception in France

Authors

Heating

Nb a

Effect on sperm number

Method

Daily duration

Frequency

During heating

After heating

Period

w b

Mean

value c

Start

w

Max.

value d

Robinson & Rock 1967 [90]

Insulating (oilcloth) underwear

SAT e +0.8 °C

Daytime

Every day for 6 to 10 weeks

10

w 3–9

w 10

<50%

[5–20%]

w 1–3

w 10

w 11

w 12–14

<50%

157%

225%

170%

Wang et al. 1997 [91]

Athletic supports with either 1 or 2 layers of P f, or 1 P layer plus 1 Al g –impregnated P layer

SAT +0.8–1 °C

>20 h

Every day for 24 to 52 weeks

21

No effect whatever the number or type of layers

  1. Legend: a number of men; b weeks; c mean value of total sperm number/initial total sperm number (%); d maximal value of total sperm number/initial total sperm number (%); e SAT scrotal achieved temperature; f polyester; g aluminum