Laptops are extremely popular among young men of reproductive age. Men who prop a laptop on their laps could have an increased risk of male infertility and reproductive issues.
Research has shown two possible links between laptop use and male infertility. The first is from the heat of a laptop which can raise the temperature of the testicles when propped on a man’s lap and can affect the production of sperm. The second is the exposure of EMF rays that emit from the laptop, especially while using WiFi.
The battery on a laptop is located on the underside which is where the most heat is generated. When a laptop is placed on one’s lap, it has the ability to raise the scrotal temperature by as much as 2 degrees Celsius.
“An elevation in heat has been known for years to cause fertility problems…and the heat from laptops is very localized, with exposure repeated often, depending on work use,” according to Dr. Yemif Sheynkin, MD, FACS, of the Urology Department at the State University of New York.
A 2012 paper by Avendano et al entitled “Use of laptop computers connected to internet through Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases DNA sperm fragmentation,” showed a significant decrease in sperm motility after exposure to a wireless internet connected laptop.
Repeated exposure to heat and EMF from laptops can change or mutate cells and may be harmful to male reproductive organs.
Are Laptops Safe for Men’s Reproductive Health?
Research shows that the use of laptops may cause an increase in male infertility. Studies have found that heat and EMF rays emitted from a laptop can raise the temperature of the testicles when placed on a man’s lap, which can have a negative effect on men’s reproductive health.
Men who place laptops on their groin area may be decreasing the quality of their sperm and jeopardizing their reproductive health.
Laptops became popular in the 1990’s as a way for business people to be able to travel and still have access to work files on a portable device and in a variety of locations. By the year 2008 laptop sales had surpassed traditional desktop computer sales.
Laptops have all the capabilities of a desktop computer and can run the same software and generally open the same files. Today laptops are not only used for work, but for web browsing, general home computer use, education, and everyone’s favorite, video games.
With an increase in the use of laptops, came an increase in risk from the amount of heat and harmful EMF they radiate. When propped on a man’s lap, the heat transfer from the hot battery on the underside of a laptop to the groin area, can raise the temperature of the scrotum, which can affect the quantity and quality of sperm produced.
Studies About Laptops and Men’s Reproductive Health
There have been studies that link male infertility and reproductive issues with the use of laptops.
A 2005 study was conducted on 29 healthy male volunteers. The volunteers signed a consent form, completed a health questionnaire and underwent a physical exam. The study concluded that prolonged use of a laptop computer produced significant elevation of scrotal temperature which reduces sperm count.
The production of sperm occurs in the testis which is contained within the scrotum. The production of sperm requires a lower temperature than that of the body, therefore anything that can cause increase in scrotal temperature such as: hot tubs, tight fitting pants, prolonged bike rides in the heat or laptops can be concerning.
A study of 99 healthy men concluded there was a direct correlation between high scrotal temperature and sperm output. The elevation in heat has been known for years to cause fertility problems.
In another study scientists found a link between WiFi connected laptop use and sperm quality or motility. In order for sperm to fertilize an egg, it must be able to move quickly and easily. In this study, after being exposed to the laptop connected to WiFi, the DNA of the sperm was actually damaged and it became less mobile.
How To Avoid EMF While Using A Laptop
In order to avoid EMF or heat damage from a laptop, it is best to use a laptop on a desk or table instead of on your lap.
There are a few things you can do to limit the exposure of EMF from your laptop. The best EMF protection or prevention is distance. Place the laptop away from the groin area.
Turn off your Wi-Fi connection if you don’t need to connect to the internet. If you plan on watching long videos or movies, it is best to download them and use the laptop off-line.
If you are not using your laptop don’t just close the lid, turn it off completely.
This portable, adjustable laptop desk is great for use on the couch or floor. It comes with a cell phone holder and drawer for pens or other supplies. It is light and sturdy and folds flat for storage when not in use.
It is also not a bad idea for men to invest in EMF shielding underwear. EMF shielding underwear, like this pair from Lambs, is made from a special material that blocks EMF radiation.
Not only will it attenuate the EMF radiation from your laptop, but it will protect your groin from radiation as you go about your day from sources like your smartphone.