Study Reveals Laptops Might Affect Sperm

Added by Nigel Shelbourne on November 9, 2010

A study published today in the journal ‘Fertility and Sterility’ revealed the repercussions of holding laptops on male laps.

The authors and researchers of the study stated that thermometers hooked to the scrotums of 29 men overheated fast when they were holding laptops on their lap, either with or without a lap pad.

Dr. Yefim Sheynkin, the urologist from the State University of New York who led this study, told Reuters Health reporters that the overheating can affect men’s sperm quality.

“Millions and millions of men are using laptops now, especially those in the reproductive age range. Within 10 or 15 minutes their scrotal temperature is already above what we consider safe, but they don’t feel it.

I wouldn’t say that if someone starts to use laptops they will become infertile, although frequent use may contribute to reproductive problems because the scrotum doesn’t have time to cool down” stated urologist Yefim Sheykin for Reuters.

Dr. Sheykin further added that studies on how laptops may affect men’s fertility haven’t been undertaken, and that there’s no clear and precise evidence that can attest this hypothesis.

Nonetheless, the urologist said that an overheated scrotum with about 1^o Celsius could be enough to damage sperm.