Methodology
Scrotal temperature is increased in disposable plastic lined
nappies
C-J Partsch, M Aukamp, W G Sippell
Division of
Paediatric Endocrinology, Department of Paediatrics,
Christian-Albrechts- University of Kiel, Schwanenweg 20, D-24105
Kiel, Germany
Correspondence to: Professor Sippell email: sippell{at}pediatrics.uni-kiel.de
Accepted 15 May 2000
OBJECTIVES
Male
reproductive health has deteriorated in recent decades. It is proposed
that increased testicular temperature in early childhood, due to the
use of modern disposable plastic lined nappies (diapers), could be an
important factor contributing to this decline.
STUDY DESIGNScrotal
skin temperature was measured non-invasively in 48 healthy children
aged 0-55 months (three age groups) for two 24 hour periods in
randomised order (either cotton or disposable plastic lined nappies)
using a portable, miniature recorder.
RESULTSMean 24 hour
scrotal temperature (2880 measurements) was significantly higher in all
age groups during the periods of plastic nappy use than with cotton
nappies (p < 0.001). The rectoscrotal temperature difference was
significantly higher with cotton than with plastic nappy use
(p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONSScrotal
hypothermia is an important factor for normal spermatogenesis. This
study shows that scrotal temperature, which closely reflects testicular
temperature, is increased in boys wearing disposable plastic lined
nappies. The physiological testicular cooling mechanism is blunted and
often completely abolished during plastic nappy use. The present
results establish the basis for further research on the impact of
increased testicular temperature in infancy on later spermatogenesis.
Keywords: testicular temperature; testicular function; spermatogenesis; cryptorchidism; male infertility
© 2000 by Archives of Disease in Childhood
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- Decline in male gonadal health: nappies not to blame
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- Scrotal temperature: Clarification on methodology
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