Fertility dangers of the laptop

According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic, an estimated 10 percent to 15 percent of couples are classified as infertile, which means that they’ve been trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected intercourse for at least one year with no success. In about half the cases, male infertility is  a factor.

photo credit/Alan Toniolo de Carvalho

There are of course many causes of male infertility known to the medical establishment today; however over the last twenty years, two newer potential causes are currently being examined further and believed to be associated with fertility issues in men; the laptop computer and the cell phone.

A study was done on the negative impact of laptop computer usage on 29 healthy male volunteers between the ages of 21-35 under the direction of Dr. Yefim R. Sheynkin, an Assistant Professor and Director of the Male Infertility and Microsurgery Program at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York and a summa cum laude graduate of Moscow Medical Academy.

Gradually declining sperm production has been noted in recent decades and the laptop computer may have a negative effect on fertility and sperm production.

Using 4 different brands of laptop computers, the study revealed that after one-hour of perching it atop the legs, balanced on the thighs, the bottom of a laptop rose from 88 degrees Fahrenheit to almost 104 degrees, thus causing the scrotum temperature to rise and adversely affect the health of the sperm. When scrotal temps rise by a mere 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit, sperm concentration may drop by up to 40%. This discovery is huge for laptop users!

The external pouch of skin that contains the testes is external for a reason. It allows sperm to develop at a lower temperature than the rest of the body. This is necessary for development of healthy sperm.

Fertility experts regularly advise their male patients avoid saunas, hot baths and whirlpools as well as not wear tight undergarments or shorts, as these too will increase scrotal temperatures and lead to a reduced number of viable sperm.

Copyright GetPregnant.org 2011