2023-06-18 19:37:51
Misuse of the laptop can increase the risk of reproductive health problems in men. What does the research say?
Have you heard that the laptop is a risk for male fertility? If you don’t already know, there is scientific evidence that shows the laptop may affect male reproductive health and sperm quality when placed on the thighs.
Specifically, a link has been observed between exposure to heat and electromagnetic fields from these devices and increased risk of fertility problems in men. So keep reading to find out more.
Is the laptop a risk for male fertility
There are two risk factors that link excessive laptop use with an increased risk of male fertility problems. We detail them below.
Heat from laptops affects sperm
A survey published in the journal Human Reproduction points out that the heat emitted by the laptop causes an increase in right and left scrotal temperature (ScT), which has a negative impact on spermatogenesis (the process of formation of sperm), especially in adolescents and young men .
Although the sample of the study is small — 29 male volunteers — the conclusion allows us to analyze considerable aspects in the field of fertility. According to research, the laptop can increase the temperature of the scrotum up to 2.8 degrees Celsius, which is higher than the normal body heat of the male body. As a result, the quality of sperm decreases.
This is supported by other scientific publications, which detail that exposure to harmful radiation from electronic objects impairs testicular function and increases the risk of infertility, as it affects sperm motility and concentration.
The study warns that other factors, such as high temperatures due to exposure to sources that give off heat and sitting for many hours cause alterations in spermatogenesis.
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Electromagnetic fields modify DNA
The spermatozoa contain in their head the DNA which will contribute to the creation of a new human being during the union with the DNA of the female ovum. Studies warn that continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by electronic devices, such as the laptop can cause alterations of said DNA.
This research details that the use of laptops connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi has a negative impact on male fertilitybecause it decreases sperm motility and fragments their DNA.
Keeping a laptop connected via Wi-Fi to the internet on your lap and near the testicles may be a risk factor for infertility in men, researchers say. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to corroborate this.
For its part, a study published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology indicates that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields can induce DNA damage by causing increased oxidative stressa situation that can lead to the death of sperm.
How to prevent laptop risks for male fertility?
For now, larger and more conclusive studies on the effects of computers and other electronic devices on male fertility are lacking. Nevertheless, the results compiled so far justify the idea of taking preventive measures. What should be considered?
First of all, it should be specified that the laptop presents a risk for the fertility of the man according to the use which is made of it. Research shows that the exposure time and the proximity of said device to the genital area significantly increase the risk of alterations in spermatogenesis.
Here are some recommendations to follow:
- Avoid putting your laptop on your lap. If possible, put it on a table.
- Pay attention to your posture when using this type of device. Ideally, keep your legs slightly apart.
- Use a laptop stand. Such support helps keep the device cool and therefore reduces heat transfer to the skin. Nevertheless, it should be noted that its use must be punctual, since it does not guarantee that the testicles will be maintained at their optimum temperature.
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Other tips to follow to take care of fertility
Beyond caution when using devices, other measures should be taken into account to take care of reproductive health. Here are some other recommendations to consider:
- Exercise : physical activity, such as using the treadmill for an hour, three times a week, improves sperm count and motility.
- Follow a healthy diet: foods like vegetables, fruits, fish and low-fat dairy products help increase sperm count with each ejaculation, according to a study published in the journal Andrology.
- Avoid tight clothing: wearing loose pants and underwear prevents excess heat and pressure on the testicles.
- Ban excessively hot environments: increased temperature in the genitals can damage sperm.
- Stop Unhealthy Habits: alcohol, psychoactive substances and cigarettes reduce sperm count and damage their structures.
Does the laptop increase the risk of female infertility?
So far, there are no studies showing that laptops pose a risk to female fertility. Since the ovaries are well insulated from the temperatures and radiation emitted by these elements, no negative effects have been observed.
What should we remember regarding the link between the laptop and male fertility?
At present, there are not enough studies to say with certainty that the use of a laptop causes infertility in men. However, the evidence so far suggest that men should take preventative measures when using these devices.
Specifically, it is essential to always use them from the desk or a table to prevent them from having direct contact with the genital area. Likewise, body posture should be considered when working with these elements. Keep that in mind!
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All cited sources have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
- Avendano, C.; Mata, A. & Sánchez, C. (2011) The use of laptops connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi decreases human sperm motility and increases sperm DNA fragmentation. Fertility and Sterility® Vol. 97, No. 1. DOI:
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Kesari, K. K., Agarwal, A., & Henkel, R. (2018). Radiations and male fertility. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 16(1), 118.
- Paparella, Cecilia, Pavesi, Adriana, Provenzal, Olga, Ombrella, Adriana, & Bouvet, Beatriz. (2017). Male infertility. Occupational exposure to environmental factors and its effect on semen quality. Uruguayan Journal of Internal Medicine, 2(2), 10-21. Retrieved on June 7, 2023, from http://www.scielo.edu.uy/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S2393-67972017000200010&lng=es&tlng=es.
- Ricci , E. , Al-Beitawi , S. , Cipriani , S. , Alteri , A. , Chiaffarino , F. , Candiani , M. , Gerli , S. , Viganó , P. and Parazzini , F. (2018), Dietary habits and seminal parameters: a systematic narrative review. Andrology, 6: 104-116. https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.12452
- Rodríguez Pendás, Bertha Victoria. (2017). Sperm DNA fragmentation and male infertility. Cuban Journal of Endocrinology, 28(3), 1-17. Retrieved on June 7, 2023, from http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1561-29532017000300009&lng=es&tlng=es.
- Rosety, Michael Angel, Diaz, Antonio, Rosety, Jesus Maria, Pery, M.a Teresa, Brenes-Martin, Francisco, Bernardi, Marco, Garcia, Natalia, Rosety-Rodriguez, Manuel, Ordonez, Francisco Javier, & Rosety, Ignacio . . . . (2017). Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults. Hospital Nutrition, 34(3), 608-612. https://dx.doi.org/10.20960/nh.549
- Sheynkin, Y.; Jung, M.; If, P; Schulsinger , D. & Komaroff . E. (2005) Increased Scrotal Temperature in Laptop Computer Users, Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Issue 2 (5), pages 452–455, DOI: //doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh61
- Yefim Sheynkin Increase in scrotal temperature in laptop computer users, Human ReproductionVolume 20, Issue 2, February 2005, Pages 452–455,
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