Sperm

  My husband has low sperm count.  It fluctuates between 1.9-6.1 per ml.  Is it important that is wears boxers if his current undies are cotton and not that tight?  He works out at the gym and sweats a lot between his legs.  Could this be a problem?
Dear Kar,
This is in response to your inquiry regarding your husbands low sperm count.  When you state that the count fluctuates between "1.9-6.1 per ml", what I think you're referring to is the sperm volume.  Those figures are normal for sperm volume.  Here is a brief list of characteristics and minimally accepted values that are evaluated in semen analysis:
1)     A seminal volume of 1.5 to 5.0 ml
2)     A total sperm count of greater than 50 million
3)     Motility greater than or equal to 50%
There are many factors which affect sperm production.  Sperm are sensitive to heat and hot or steam baths/febrile illness may affect fertility.  Also cigarette and alcohol exposure affects sperm.  
With respect to your question regarding boxers, I don't think that is a significant contributing factor.  However, because your husband works out, he may be exposing himself to heat (steam baths/sauna).  
As I stated earlier, the cause of a low sperm count is likely multifactorial.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban campuses at  (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians