Many men choose to switch to loose shorts, breathable sleepwear, or no underwear at all for greater comfort when resting at home. This makes the question, "should men wear underwear to sleep?", a common concern.
Doctor Tra Anh Duy, a specialist in Andrology at Men's Health Center, states that from an andrological perspective, there is no mandatory recommendation for or against wearing underwear to sleep. The key factors are comfort, hygiene, and individual preference.
The testicles in the scrotum require a lower temperature than the body for sperm production. The scrotum has a contractile mechanism to regulate this temperature. When the groin and scrotal area is constricted by tight underwear, combined with sweat and prolonged sitting, feelings of heat, dampness, and stuffiness can arise. This does not mean wearing underwear directly impacts fertility, but proper ventilation can help reduce discomfort and limit skin irritation in the groin area.
A study by Minguez-Alarcon and colleagues, published in Human Reproduction, noted that men who regularly wore boxer shorts had higher sperm concentration and total sperm count than those who wore tight-fitting underwear. However, this was an observational correlation, not proof of a causal relationship. The clearest benefit of not wearing underwear or choosing loose clothing when sleeping is not improved fertility, but rather a feeling of comfort, reduced stuffiness, less friction, and more restful sleep.
No single option suits everyone. Some men find comfort in sleeping without underwear, while others prefer loose cotton shorts or breathable sleepwear. What matters is that clothing is clean, not too tight, and ensures dryness and ventilation. The groin is an area prone to sweating and friction. Wearing tight, damp clothing or poor hygiene can increase the risk of intertrigo, skin irritation, or fungal infections, especially for overweight individuals or those living in hot, humid climates.
According to a research review by Durairajanayagam and colleagues in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, increased testicular temperature can adversely affect sperm production. However, clothing is just one lifestyle factor, alongside nutrition, sleep, alcohol, tobacco, and co-existing medical conditions.
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An AI-generated illustration.
Doctor Duy once treated a 36-year-old male office worker who habitually wore tight clothing all day and continued to wear tight underwear to sleep. He subsequently experienced prolonged itching and a feeling of damp stuffiness in the groin area at night. The doctor's examination revealed intertrigo, suspected mild fungal infection, and a damp scrotum, although his previous semen analysis was within normal limits. The main issue was linked to his prolonged habit of wearing overly tight and unventilated clothing.
"If you experience heat, stuffiness, or discomfort in the groin area when sleeping, consider switching to loose-fitting pants or no underwear, provided you maintain good hygiene and a clean sleeping environment," advises Doctor Duy. Conversely, if you experience scrotal pain, testicular swelling, persistent itching, or suspect infertility, consult an andrology specialist instead of merely changing habits.
In some special cases, such as after scrotal or groin surgery, or for medical conditions requiring testicular support, sleepwear choices must follow a doctor's guidance.
In summary, according to Doctor Duy, men are not required to wear underwear to sleep; the decision depends on personal comfort and habits. The most important thing is to keep the groin and scrotal area clean, dry, and ventilated. "Going commando" is not a medical solution for fertility, but rather a lifestyle choice that can provide greater comfort in some situations. If unusual symptoms persist, men should seek medical examination to determine the cause instead of self-adjusting based on intuition.
Le Phuong
