Ice Packs and Internet Myths: The Unproven Tricks Men Try to Boost Their Sperm

Every morning, a 28-year-old man named Simon from Miami starts his day in a sauna with an ice pack strapped to his groin. He believes the heat helps him sweat out toxins, and he uses the ice pack to keep his testicles cool and protect his sperm. But doctors say there is little proof that this routine actually works.

Simon follows a strict daily health plan because he worries about his fertility. He gets sunlight every day, exercises often, drinks only filtered water, and wears cotton underwear. He does all of this even though no strong medical evidence shows these steps make a big difference.

Simon is not trying to have children right now. He is more worried that a low sperm count could hurt his overall health, especially his endocrine system — the network of glands that controls hormones. However, doctors say a low sperm count does not cause problems with the endocrine system.

Simon first heard about sperm health on social media. He was most influenced by Bryan Johnson, a former tech billionaire known for using unusual methods to try to live longer. Johnson claims to have four times the average sperm count and promotes sauna and ice pack routines on his website, where he also sells supplements to his more than six million followers.

Many other influencers promote fertility tips that have not been proven by science. These include taking certain supplements, using red light therapy, and donating blood to remove tiny harmful particles called microplastics. Doctors have not confirmed that any of these methods actually improve sperm health.

This wave of fertility content is tied to real worries about falling birth rates around the world. According to the United Nations, the global birth rate dropped from 4.9 babies per woman in 1950 to just 2.2 in 2025. More than 100 countries now have birth rates too low to keep their populations from shrinking.

Scientists have found that sperm counts have gone down since the 1970s. However, some newer studies in the United States and Denmark found no such drop in certain groups, and experts say more research is needed. Professor Channa Jayasena, a reproductive specialist in London, says concerns are real but that claims on social media go too far.

Some influencers make the problem worse by sharing false information. A man named Lucas told his YouTube viewers that men would be completely infertile in just 33 years, which scientists say is not supported by any evidence. Lucas sells courses, coaching, and supplements, and advises men to hold ice packs against their groin multiple times a day.

Not all of Lucas's advice is harmful — he also promotes healthy eating, sleep, and exercise, which doctors do support. Professor Jayasena agrees those changes are the best place to start. 'If there are any reversible things such as quitting smoking, losing weight and increasing physical activity, that's by far the best thing you can do,' he says.

A more serious danger involves men who take testosterone or steroids, which can badly damage their fertility. To try to fix that damage, some influencers sell powerful drug mixtures called 'stacks,' which include fertility medications like HCG and HMG. Taking these drugs without a doctor's guidance can cause blood clots, breast tissue growth, and other permanent harm.

A man named Jamal, not his real name, took high doses of testosterone and steroids for bodybuilding and damaged his fertility. He tried influencer-recommended stacks, but they did not help, so he finally saw a doctor. Six months after stopping all the medications, his testosterone is slowly improving, but his sperm production is still recovering.

Experts say growing interest in male fertility can be positive, but bad advice spreading online creates real danger. When men cannot easily see real doctors, they turn to influencers instead, which can lead them away from truly helpful steps. As Professor Jayasena warns, at worst, bad advice could cause serious and lasting harm.