For most people, starting the day with a refreshing shower is a routine habit. However, many are unaware that showering with hot water can actually be detrimental to their health. Particularly, hot showers are said to be especially bad for men. Let’s delve into why this might be the case.
Men who regularly shower or bathe in hot water have been shown to have a higher risk of infertility. The British media outlet BBC has previously reported on a study titled “Hot baths can reduce men’s fertility.” The BBC quoted a study by an American research team, stating, “The sperm count of 5 out of 11 men with fertility issues increased by 491% a few months after they stopped taking baths or using hot water for showers.”
This suggests that overheating the testicles can be very detrimental to sperm count and overall reproductive ability. Some even suggest that showering or bathing in cold water, as cold as ice, could greatly benefit fertility. Sperm is known to develop best in cool and refreshing environments. This is also why the testicles are located in the external scrotum of the male body. Therefore, the difference between a hot shower and a cold shower can significantly impact sperm health.
Moreover, showering in hot water can damage skin cells. Showering in hot water often damages keratin cells, which make up the layers of the skin, and exposure to heat can damage the epidermis and worsen skin conditions. Also, hot water removes skin oils faster than warm water; long showers can dry the skin.
Therefore, even in the winter, it’s not good for your body to shower in hot water. It’s better to shower in lukewarm water, similar to body temperature.
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