"High scrotal temperatures are known to reduce sperm counts in adults. The German scientists believe their discovery could explain the rise in male infertility and drop in sperm counts over the past 25 years. Cotton nappies The average sperm count of European men has dropped by 25% over the last 25 years and around 27,000 British couples seek infertility treatment every year."
Long-term effects
Writing in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, which is published by the British Medical Journal, the scientists said their findings were significant.
"It seems to be possible that a prolonged and continuous elevation of testicular temperature by a mean of one degree can affect the maturation of the infant testis."
They added: "Plastic nappy use may have a negative long-term effect on testicular maturation, spermatogenesis and, in addition, may facilitate the development of testicular cancer."
Tim Hedgely, chairman of the fertility charity Issue, commented: "This research is quite staggering and could be of immense importance to us.
"There is no question that a disposable nappy creates a warm, damp environment for a child to sit on while something like a cotton towel leaks out wetness."
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