Should I protect my testicles when I get a tan?

Dear Reader,

Indoor tanning may promise to give you a glow, but when it comes to sensitive areas like the testicles, a little caution can go a long way. While many tanning salons require eye protection, there’s typically no guidance offered about the rest of the body, particularly areas that aren’t regularly exposed to the light. If you’re tanning indoors, it’s advisable to cover up body parts with thin skin or a sensitivity to high temperatures. Since both of these apply to the testicles, it’s best to keep them safely in the shade. That being said, most health care providers and organizations strongly advise against indoor tanning altogether, since the practice can significantly increase your risk of developing cancer. Read on to shine some (non-ultraviolet) light on testicles and tanning!

What are testicles?

Testicles (also known as testes) are the dynamic duo that acts as a pair of factories for producing sperm and testosterone. Each testicle (or testis) contains hundreds of seminiferous tubules, where sperm is made. Next to these tubules are Leydig cells, which produce testosterone. The testicles are located in the scrotum, which hangs outside of the body so that it can be kept a few degrees cooler than the body’s core temperature. Efficient sperm production can only take place at this lower temperature. In fact, even slight increases in heat can reduce sperm quantity and quality. This is one reason why the heat from the tanning lamps may be problematic for the testicles.

What are the risks of indoor tanning?

Indoor tanning exposes users to concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which includes both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. In fact, the amount of UV light radiated from tanning beds and booths is often stronger than the sun. Despite being marketed as a safe alternative to sun exposure, indoor tanning is broadly classified as carcinogenic, meaning it has been proven to cause cancer. This includes skin cancers such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Even if tanning doesn’t leave you with a visible sunburn, each session still raises your risk of skin cancer. Indoor tanning at an early age, especially before 20, is particularly dangerous, increasing lifetime cancer risk by nearly 50 percent. 

In addition to skin cancer, indoor tanning has also been associated with other risks, including:

• DNA damage 
• Eye injuries 
• Increased skin aging 
• Immune suppression 
• Dependence on tanning (sometimes called tanning addiction or tanorexia) 

List adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology

How can tanning affect the testicles?

While some people have claimed that exposing testicles to UV radiation can boost testosterone production, these claims likely stem from outdated or misinterpreted research. The current consensus is that directly tanning the testicles does not increase testosterone. However, moderate UVB exposure on the skin in general—such as getting some sun on your face when going for a daytime walk—is associated with healthy testosterone levels.

What high levels of UV exposure can do is increase your risk of skin cancer. Since the skin on your scrotum is thin, this cancer risk is even greater for the testicles than for other parts of your body. Additionally, UV radiation can be hot and may increase the temperature of the testicles to a level that damages sperm production.

If you’re concerned about testosterone, consider skipping the tanning salon and heading to the kitchen or gym instead. Well-rounded eating and physical activity, as well as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, are all far more effective ways to support your hormonal health than UV exposure. Additionally, you might consider visiting a health care provider if you believe you may have low testosterone.

How can you lower the risk of damage to the testicles? 

The most effective way to protect your testicular health is to skip indoor tanning altogether. There are safer ways to achieve a tanned appearance, including: 

• Spray tans 
• Self-tanning lotions and creams 
• Limited sun exposure with a sun protection product 

List adapted from the Skin Cancer Foundation 

However, if indoor tanning is unavoidable, it’s strongly recommended to cover up the scrotum. Consider using a breathable barrier, such as a towel or specialized tanning undergarment (sometimes called a tanning pouch). This barrier can help to shield the area from UV radiation without overheating the temperature-sensitive testicles.

You might also consider regularly self-examining your testicles for any changes like lumps, bumps, or swelling. These could be early signs of medical conditions, including testicular cancer. When in doubt, consider consulting a health care provider for further evaluation and guidance. 

Ultimately, glowing skin may fade, but the risks of UV exposure can linger. Donning a protective barrier may help to keep your testicles out of harm’s rays. However, switching to alternatives like self-tanning creams or giving up tanning altogether are safer options for your overall health and well-being.

Warm (but not too warm!) regards,