Ice on testicles and donating blood - the myths sold to men trying to boost their sperm
Men are increasingly turning to unproven health trends and social media advice to boost fertility and sperm count. Experts warn that while some lifestyle changes are healthy, many specific rituals lack medical evidence.
Why it matters
The rise of health misinformation on social media can lead to unnecessary anxiety and ineffective health practices among young men.
Image caption, Simon, 28, performs a multi-step routine in a bid to protect his fertility
Every morning, Simon starts his day in a sauna, with an ice pack strapped to his groin.
"I place it on the testicles in order to preserve high sperm count," he says.
He believes the heat helps him sweat out toxins, improving his sperm function - but says he must take care to protect his testicles from the excessive heat.
The 28-year-old from Miami gets daily sunlight exposure, exercises regularly, only drinks filtered water and wears cotton boxer shorts - all part of a fertility-focused health regime which he follows despite any medical evidence to prove it works.
There is an element of truth behind these claims - environmental pollutants and heating the testes can impact sperm quality.
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