Sperminator: Hot Laptops Might Cause Fertility Issues in Men
Men who keep their laptops on their laps may be hurting the quality of their sperm, a new study says.
Laptops that rest on laps for too long can cause scrotal hyperthermia in males -- or elevated temperatures in their testicles. This condition can ultimately impact the chances of fertility, according to a report in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility.
Even those that use laptop pad to protect themselves run the risk of dangerously overheating the scrotal area in short period of time.
Scientists from the State University of New York at Stony Brook evaluated 29 male volunteers and measured the temperatures of the scrotum. They also kept track of the laptop and lap pad temperatures during three 60-minute sessions as the volunteers sat in various positions.
After an hour with a laptop on their knees, the temperature of their testicles rose more than four degrees Fahrenheit. The scientists indicated in the report that previous research has shown that a raised temperature of 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit can damage sperm.
In fact, within 10 or 15 minutes it elevated beyond what the scientists consider safe, despite the subjects ability to not feel the heat.
Although the scientists said that this type of laptop use will not cause infertility in all men, it does present a risk that could lead to problems in the future.
