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Research into contraceptives for men have been conducted using polyester. While studies were done with the goal of creating a safe method for men seeking contraceptive methods, it has provided a lot of insight into the polyester industry and how underwear material is a more significant factor than we thought.
By Kiavash Seraj
Researchers studied the contraceptive effects of a polyester scrotal sling (basically a jockstrap) on 14 men over 12 months. The men wore the sling continuously, while researchers monitored their sperm count, testicular size, temperature changes, and hormone levels. Their female partners used contraceptives until the men became completely sperm-free (azoospermic), which took an average of about 140 days.
During this period, testicular volume decreased, and scrotal temperature increased, but hormone levels remained unchanged. The polyester material also generated electrostatic charges, which may have contributed to the effect. No pregnancies occurred.
After stopping use, sperm counts gradually returned to normal within about 157 days, and couples who wanted to conceive were successful. The study concluded that the polyester sling effectively and reversibly reduces sperm count through a combination of increased heat and electrostatic effects.
An experiment meant to safely find a contraceptive for men has, in turn, provided us today with shocking details about the effects of polyester underwear. What's fascinating about this study is that it was conducted in 1992... that's 33 years ago (none of Gotchies' founders were even born). It doesn’t seem obvious to us that this information regarding the dangers of polyester was, in some way, hidden. If you search "polyester effects on fertility" in Google, you will see the study referenced on the first page.
However, what we would argue is that the market and big underwear/clothing companies are diverting customers’ attention away from the most important detail about their products: the material. By focusing solely on comfort and a product’s resilience for highly active customers, they have shifted the conversation away from health concerns. This emphasis has become the core of their pitches and advertisements. However, you don’t need to sacrifice one for the other—a product can be comfortable, resilient, and healthy all at once.
These companies are simply cutting corners and being disingenuous for one reason: maximizing profits while minimizing costs. When there’s a will, there’s a way, and at Gotchies, we've done our best to create a reality where underpants can be healthy, comfortable, and ready for fitness (also environmentally friendly too, but we’ll get more into that in another blog).
Shafik A. (1992). Contraceptive efficacy of polyester-induced azoospermia in normal men. Contraception, 45(5), 439–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-7824(92)90157-o2.
Polyester underwear doesn’t just trap heat—it also builds up electrostatic charges that may impact male fertility. Studies suggest these charges could interfere with physiological functions, raising concerns about their long-term effects.
By Kiavash Seraj
A study examined the electrostatic potentials generated on the scrotal area when wearing different fabrics. 21 men were divided into three groups, each wearing underwear made of either 100% polyester, 100% cotton, or a 50/50 polyester-cotton blend. Researchers measured the electrostatic charges on the fabric and skin using a kilovoltmeter.
Key Findings:
- Cotton produced no electrostatic charges.
- Polyester generated the highest electrostatic potential (average 338.9V/cm²), while the polyester-cotton blend had lower but still significant levels (148.3V/cm²).
- Higher electrostatic charges were observed during the day due to increased temperature.
This charge accumulation results from friction between the fabric and skin, creating an electrostatic field that penetrates the scrotum. Scientists suggest that this could disrupt testicular function and sperm production, posing potential risks to male fertility.
This study highlights yet another reason to choose natural fabrics like organic cotton over synthetic materials. Polyester-based underwear doesn’t just trap heat—it may also expose sensitive areas to electrostatic stress, with long-term health implications.
Basically, we know that polyester underwear is a problem thanks to studies that have isolated the fabric factor and measured its impact on sperm count, concentration, motility, and abnormality. However, while electrostatic potential has been measured on the skin, it's currently just a correlation. That said, I highly doubt that hundreds of volts of potential energy on your balls are harmless. Interestingly, there are independent studies on the effects of these potentials on the body as a whole—but not specifically on fertility.
One study even claims that "virtually all physiological functions, mood, and behavior" may be affected by charges left on the skin. The conclusion here is straightforward: polyester underwear has measurable negative effects on men's fertility. The only catch? We’re not yet certain about the exact mechanism behind this deterioration.
That being said, we know the symptoms of polyester exposure, one of which is electrostatic residue on the skin—including the scrotum when it comes to underwear. Meanwhile, independent research suggests that electrostatic potentials and charges on the skin—regardless of the specific body region—can impact various physiological functions.2
There’s still much more research to be done, but one thing is certain: cotton underpants play no part in the love triangle between polyester, infertility, and electrostatic potentials. Time and time again, cotton proves to be one of, if not the best, fabrics for supporting healthy hormones and male fertility.
1. Shafik, A., Ibrahim, I. H., & el-Sayed, E. M. (1992). Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis. I. Electrostatic potentials generated on surface of human scrotum by wearing different types of fabric. Andrologia, 24(3), 145–147. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0272.1992.tb02628.x
2. Sher L. (2000). Effects of electrostatic potentials generated on the surface of the skin by wearing synthetic and semisynthetic fabrics on physical condition, mood and behavior: role of acupuncture points. Medical hypotheses, 54(3), 511–512. https://doi.org/10.1054/mehy.1999.0854
Most people don’t realize the hidden risks of synthetic underwear—harsh chemicals, hormone disruption, and environmental harm. By switching to organic cotton, you can protect your health, enjoy greater comfort, and support a cleaner, more sustainable future.
By Jack Selman
Be the change. Switching from underwear made with synthetic materials to underwear made with organic cotton offers numerous benefits for both personal health and the environment. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which are often treated with harsh chemicals and made from petroleum-based fibers, organic cotton is grown without toxic pesticides and processed with minimal chemical exposure. This allows for a safer, more breathable option – especially for those with sensitive skin or a history of discomfort. Additionally, organic cotton is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable farming practices. By choosing organic cotton underwear, you can enjoy greater health, greater comfort, and support an eco-friendly production process.
Underwear made with synthetic materials often ends up in the hands of most of the population, who, unknowingly, wear them every day. While this may seem normal, it’s actually quite harmful. A good starting point is to ask a question like this: if a pair of underwear is created using materials that are doused in toxic chemicals, then where do those chemicals go once the underwear is ready for use? That’s right – nowhere. Those very chemicals used for “efficient” and “cost-effective” production, stay put, embedding themselves in the underwear. In turn, wearing the underwear repeatedly results in the body absorbing these chemicals through constant friction. According to studies, this absorption leads to skin conditions and erroneous or diminished hormone production.
Organic cotton is the peacemaker in a dilemma such as this one. When underwear is carefully curated, with a natural, untreated material like organic cotton, the detriments mentioned above are avoided. The skin and body work congruently with the organic cotton to allow the user maximum comfort and ease the mind of potential long-term health issues such as infertility and low hormone production. Furthermore, the production of organic cotton requires 85% less water than cotton mixed with synthetic materials and chemicals. By making the switch, the mind, body, and planet are all preserved.
Explore the Gotchies website to see how you can start saving today! Check out more articles in this section to stay informed and learn how to change your life.
Singh, Z. (2017, January). (PDF) toxicity of synthetic fibres and human health (open access). Toxicity of Synthetic Fibres and Human Health. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316044390_Toxicity_of_Synthetic_Fibres_and_Human_Health_OPEN_ACCESS
Zimmerman, A. (2022, October 5). Organic cotton: How does it compare to other sustainable materials?. Green Story. https://www.greenstory.io/blogs/organic-cotton-how-does-it-compare-to-other-sustainable-materials#:~:text=Compared%20to%20standard%20cotton%2C%20organic,compared%20to%20other%20fibers%20available
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