n this episode, we dive into a bizarre but fascinating study about how a polyester scrotal sling can act as a form of male contraception. Sounds crazy? Well, the science backs it up. The studies we discussed will be summarized and pinned to the comments. We don't get to the fertility, but we discuss what this could mean for testosterone levels and whether polyester might be a silent enemy to male health. Again, summaries and PMID will be pinned in the comments.
We also explore some personal studies done on Patrick’s physical health, breaking down what he’s learned and how it connects to the bigger picture of testosterone, fitness, and overall well-being. Plus, we’ve got a special guest appearance. Our first guest?
If you’ve ever wondered whether your clothing choices could impact your hormones, this episode is for you. Tune in for the science, the laughs, and the usual deep (and sometimes unhinged) discussions.
🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into science, philosophy, and the weirdest studies we can find!
#Testosterone #MaleHealth #Polyester #Fertility #Hormones #MensHealth #SciencePodcast #WeirdScience #HealthStudies #Fitness #HormoneBalance #EndocrineSystem #PolyesterDangers #Azoospermia #ReversibleContraception #TestosteroneLevels #PhysicalFitness #DeepDive #PodcastDiscussion #HealthScience #TsimaneStudy #TestosteroneBoost #WoodChopping #EvolutionaryBiology #WeirdStudies #MaleWellness #PolyesterRisks #ScienceFacts #HormoneDisruption #MensWellness #FitnessAndHealth
FIRST STUDY MENTIONED
Contraceptive efficacy of polyester-induced azoospermia in normal men
PMID: 1623716
STUDY SUMMARY:
What Was the Study About?
Researchers wanted to see if wearing a polyester sling around the scrotum could act as a form of male birth control. They tested this idea on 14 men aged 32-47, who wore the sling for 12 months while doctors monitored their fertility, testicular size, temperature changes, and hormone levels.
How Did It Work?
The men wore the sling day and night, only changing it when it got dirty. Their female partners used other contraceptives until doctors confirmed that the men were azoospermic (meaning they had no sperm in their semen).
Doctors checked the men every two weeks, measuring:
• Sperm count (to confirm infertility)
• Testicle size (to see if the sling affected them)
• Temperature differences between the rectum and testicles (to understand heat effects)
• Hormone levels (to see if the body adjusted in other ways)
• Testicular biopsies (to check cellular changes)
What Were the Results?
• After about 140 days of wearing the sling, all men became infertile (no sperm in their semen).
• Testicle size shrank slightly during the study.
• The temperature around the testicles increased, which likely contributed to sperm suppression.
• Hormone levels stayed the same, suggesting no major hormonal side effects.
• Microscopic damage was observed in the sperm-producing cells, though it was reversible.
• The polyester sling created an electrostatic field, which may have also played a role in stopping sperm production.
• None of the partners became pregnant while the men wore the sling.
What Happened When They Stopped Wearing the Sling?
• Sperm count returned to normal after about 5-6 months (on average 157 days).
• Testicle size returned to normal within 2-4 months.
• The temperature balance returned to normal after 3 months.
• Five couples tried to conceive after the study, and all were successful (four had healthy babies, one had a miscarriage).
How Did the Polyester Sling Work as Contraception?
Scientists believe the infertility was cau
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