(Warning: Your computer could be a cause of infertility!)
As laptop computers become more common, especially among young people today, (whether for work or leisure), many are finding themselves practically ‘addicted’ to their laptops.
Spending hours a day with a laptop resting indirectly on reproductive organs has led to some concerns over the possibility of affected fertility.
Laptops and Male Fertility.
Laptop exposure has led to more growing concern for men, with fears that usage could cause problems for male fertility in the present and in the future due to the heat generated while it is sitting directly on the lap.
Concerns about Female Fertility
Knowing that radiation can lead to abnormal cells, many wonder to what extent a laptop can affect a woman’s body in terms of fertility, or a foetus’ body during pregnancy. There are also concerns that the heat generated from a laptop could cause fertility issues by increasing body temperature.
About Temperature and Fertility
Elevated temperatures in the scrotum have long been linked to lowered sperm count, which may be a contributor to infertility. For this reason, doctors recommend that men who are hoping to become fathers do not get into hot baths and saunas or wear tight underwear or jockey shorts. It is believed that an increase of 5 degrees may affect fertility rates.
Laptop and Heating Effects
When a man uses a laptop directly on his lap, the heat emanated can raise scrotal temperatures as much as 5 degrees. Studies performed by the urology department at the State University of New York at Stony Brook have suggested that the simple presence of the computer, turned off, for long periods of time could raise the temperature in the area 3 to 4 degrees because of the added pressure from the weight of the laptop.
Facts about Laptops
Laptops emit extremely low frequency (or ELF) radiation. This is the same type of radiation emitted by televisions, hair dryers and other electrical appliances we come in contact with every day. Though long term exposure to ELF radiation could pose some health risks, studies have shown no connection between ELF radiation from laptops and infertility or cell damage, even during pregnancy. Also, a female’s reproductive organs are too far protected by the body to be affected by heat from laptops.
Caution!
Doctors recommend that men trying to conceive should rest their laptops on a desk or table or create a barrier between the laptop and the body, to avoid the heat produced by the computer.
Another suggestion is to use the laptop for shorter periods of time.
Some experts however, such as Dr. Steven J. Sondheimer of the University of Pennsylvania, have said that while there is a connection between increased heat in the scrotum and decreased sperm production, they are not certain that the decrease will lead to fertility issues.
One undisputable fact though, is that sensitive issues such as this ought to be taken more seriously.
At Psyche Health Consults, we say, “Prevention is safer and far cheaper than cure”. So, watch it!
Do have a fun filled week.
