Bryan Johnson Is Putting Ice Packs on His Balls, Should You?

Bryan Johnson, billionaire biohacker, full-time longevity guinea pig, and possibly the world’s most micromanaged human being, is at it again. No, not with another anti-aging supplement or AI-generated meal plan. This time, it’s about ice. More specifically, ice packs on his testicles.

Yes, you read that correctly. In his 17-step morning routine (which is less “rise and shine” and more “clinical trial meets tech bro spa day”), Johnson revealed that while sitting in a 200°F sauna, he likes to put a pack of ice on "the boys.” For those wondering what is his reason, it is simple and pretty straightforward.

It is to keep them cool. Strategic, he says. Longevity-enhancing, supposedly. Slightly unhinged? Arguably.

Now, before you rush to your freezer and start wrapping frozen peas in a dish towel, let’s pause. Is this another biohacking breakthrough... or just high-tech nonsense in a bathrobe?

The Science Behind It

Testicles actually are supposed to be cool, that’s basic anatomy. They hang outside the body because sperm production likes it a few degrees below normal body temp. Overheat the goods too often - laptops on your lap, tight underwear, hot tubs- and you might see a dip in sperm quality.

So yes, keeping things chill down there has some merit. In fact, scrotal cooling has been studied (albeit quietly and in very small circles) for male fertility. Some research has shown that cooling the testicles gently over time can improve sperm count and motility.

But those studies aren’t talking about actual ice packs. They’re talking about mild, wearable cooling devices, used overnight. What Johnson's routine includes is an ice-cold shock to the system while sweating in a sauna like you’re in some sort of reproductive Ironman challenge.

"Based upon the evidence we’ve gathered so far, [I’ll do] 20 minutes at 200°F, 93°C. It boosts my heart health, metabolism, and reduces inflammation. Sweating also dramatically lowered the toxins in my body,’ says Johnson.

"And for a little added contrast, I will strategically place ice packs on “the boys” to keep them cool. The goal we have with any new therapy is to find the highest performing therapies for longevity."

Look, no one’s saying Bryan isn’t committed. The man wakes up at 4:30am to measure his inner ear temperature and wear a laser helmet for hair growth. But directly icing your testicles? That’s not “cutting-edge,” that’s just cold.

There are zero high-quality human studies suggesting that icing your testicles increases testosterone, enhances fertility, or slows aging. Nada. Zilch.

At best, it’s a comfort-based fertility trick for men dealing with serious heat exposure or reproductive issues. At worst, it’s a fast track to numb nuts and questionable choices. Your scrotum is skin, nerves, and blood vessels, not a beer cooler. Also, repeated intense cold exposure could do more harm than good if you're not careful. Tissue damage? Reduced circulation? Fun, right?

Again, the underlying question isn't much to do with Bryan Johnson and his wellness rituals, though, is it? It’s about our current cultural obsession with doing the most in the name of wellness. Ice packs on testicles is just the latest in a long line of high-effort, low-reward body hacks being passed off as essential health wisdom.

Somewhere along the way, “take care of yourself” turned into “spend $2 million a year to become an optimized man-machine with cryotherapy, red light lasers, and yes, groin frostbite.”

If you're trying to improve your fertility, wear loose boxers, stay out of hot tubs, and skip the laptop-on-crotch situation. If you're into longevity, focus on the basics: sleep well, move often, eat real food, and maybe don’t freeze your testicles.