Can saunas affect fertility?

Saunas can indeed affect fertility, particularly in men. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures in saunas can be harmful to sperm production. Dr. Kyle Gillett mentioned that men experiencing infertility are advised to avoid all saunas, and for those with a low sperm count, it is also recommended to steer clear of them. Moreover, it's emphasized that hot tubs, which can heat the testes more rapidly than saunas, are particularly detrimental to sperm health 1.

To mitigate the effects of heat on fertility, especially when using a sauna, some individuals may use cold packs to cool the testicular area, thereby reducing the negative impact on sperm viability. However, the efficacy of this depends on numerous factors, including the duration of sauna use and how well the cold pack retains its temperature 2.

Dr. Andrew Huberman also highlighted that individuals who are trying to conceive should be particularly cautious about using saunas or hot tubs. There is a notable decrease in sperm viability associated with raised temperatures from such exposures. He further recommends using a cold pack or alternating between cold and sauna baths as a strategy to preserve sperm quality 3.