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
3
minute read
The Experiment
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.
Analysis
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).
Citations
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.
