Are laptops a risk to fertility? What men should know

Have you ever heard that laptops are a risk for male fertility? In case you didn’t already know, there’s scientific evidence warning that men who place their laptops on their thighs could also be affecting the health of their reproductive organs and the standard of their sperm.

To be more precise, a link has been observed between exposure to heat and electromagnetic fields from these devices and an increased risk of fertility problems amongst men. To find all of the main points, we invite you to proceed reading.

Laptops are linked to risks for male fertility

There are two risk aspects that link laptop misuse to an increased risk of male fertility problems. Here, we’re going to clarify what they’re and what the experts say about them.

The warmth emitted by laptops affects sperm

Research published within the journal Human Reproduction exposes that the warmth emitted by the laptop causes a rise in the fitting and left scrotal temperature (ScT), which causes a negative impact on spermatogenesis (sperm formation process), especially amongst adolescents and young men.

Although the study sample is small -29 male volunteers-, its conclusion allows to investigate considerable points in the sector of fertility. Based on the research, the laptop can increase the scrotal temperature by as much as 2.8 degrees Celsius, which exceeds the conventional body heat of the male body. Consequently, sperm quality decreases.

That is supported by other scientific publications, which detail that exposure to harmful radiation from electronic devices alters testicular function and increases the danger of infertility, because it affects sperm motility and concentration.

The study warns that other aspects, corresponding to elevated temperature as a result of exposure to heat radiating sources and sitting for long hours (which occurs with the laptop) cause alteration of spermatogenesis.

Electromagnetic fields alter DNA

Spermatozoa contain of their heads the DNA that may contribute to the creation of a brand new human being by joining with the DNA of the feminine egg. Studies warn that continuous exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by items corresponding to laptops may cause alterations to that DNA.

Research shared in Fertility and Sterility details that using laptops connected to the Web via Wi-Fi has a negative impact on male fertility by decreasing sperm motility and fragmenting sperm DNA.

The researchers suggest that keeping the laptop connected by Wi-Fi to the Web on the lap and shut to the testicles could also be a risk factor for infertility in men. Still, more studies are needed to corroborate this.

For its part, a study reported in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology exposes that exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields can induce DNA damage by causing increased oxidative stress, resulting in sperm cell death.

Tips on how to prevent laptop fertility risks

For now, larger and more conclusive studies on the results of computers and other electronic devices on male fertility are lacking. Even so, the findings compiled up to now are a reason to take preventive measures. What to consider?

To begin with, it’s value stating that the laptop poses a risk to male fertility depending on the way it’s used. Research shows that the time of exposure and the proximity of the device to the genital area considerably increases the danger of alterations in spermatogenesis.

That said, some recommendations are as follows:

• Decrease the frequency with which the laptop is placed on the legs or lap. So far as possible, it needs to be used on a table.
• Maintain your posture when using the sort of device. Ideally, keep your legs barely apart.
• Use a laptop stand. This helps to maintain the device cool and reduces heat transfer to the skin. Nonetheless, it needs to be noted that its use needs to be ad hoc, because it’s not guaranteed to maintain the testicles at their optimal temperature.

Other tricks to maintain your fertility

Beyond being cautious when using devices corresponding to portable devices, there are other measures to be taken under consideration to maintain reproductive health. In the next space, we’ll share some really helpful habits.

• Exercise: physical activity, corresponding to using the treadmill for an hour, 3 times per week, improves sperm count and motility.
• Follow a healthy food regimen: foods corresponding to vegetables, fruits, fish and low-fat dairy products help increase the variety of sperm in each ejaculation, in keeping with a study published within the journal Andrology.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing: wearing loose pants and underwear prevents more heat and pressure from concentrating on the testicles.
• Stay out of hot environments: as now we have seen throughout the article, the rise in temperature within the genitals can damage spermatozoa.
• Stop unhealthy habits: alcohol, psychoactive substances, and smoking reduce sperm count and damage their structures.

Do laptops increase the danger of female infertility?

For now, there are not any studies that show that laptops pose a risk to female fertility. Because the ovaries are well insulated from the temperatures and radiation emitted by these elements, no negative effects have been observed.

What’s there to recollect about laptop use and male fertility?

For now, there still aren’t enough studies to state with certainty that laptop use causes infertility in men. Nonetheless, the evidence gathered up to now suggests that men should take preventive measures when using these devices.

Specifically, it’s key to at all times use them from a desk or table to avoid direct contact with the genital area. Also, body posture needs to be taken under consideration when working with these devices. Keep this in mind!

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