Do Laptop Computers Endanger Their User's Fertility?

A new study claims that even scrotal shielding with a lap pad does not protect laptop computer users from testicular overheating.

Researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY; Stony Brook, USA) conducted a study to evaluate methods for the prevention of scrotal hyperthermia in laptop computer users. To do so, 29 healthy male volunteers had their right and left scrotal temperature, laptop, and lap pad temperatures measured and recorded during three separate 60-minute sessions while using a laptop in three different positions; sitting with closely approximated legs, sitting with closely approximated legs with a lap pad below the laptop, and sitting with legs apart at a 70° angle with a lap pad below the laptop. The main outcome measure was scrotal temperature elevation.

The results showed that after 60 minutes, scrotal temperature increased regardless of legs position or use of a lap pad. However, it was significantly lower when sitting with legs apart at a 70° angle than when sitting with closely approximated legs, even though a lap pad below the laptop was used in both cases. In all, after 60 minutes with closed legs, scrotal temperature increased by about 2.4 °C. Using the lap pad yielded a slightly smaller increase of 2.1 °C, while spreading the legs resulted in a modest increase of only 1.4 °C. The study was published early online on November 8, 2010, in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

"Prevention of scrotal hyperthermia in laptop users is not feasible, although we would like to disagree and suggest using a flat surface, such as a table or desk, to position your laptop in order to preserve your fertility,” concluded lead author Yefim Sheynkin, M.D., and colleagues of the SUNY departments of urology and applied mathematics and statistics.

Laptop lap pads are used to both cushion the laptop and protect the user from the heat generated from the laptop during operation. Some lap pads are equipped with integrated with cooling system so that the device remains comfortable even after a long period on the lap. Other designs are provided with risers that help adjust working height.

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State University of New York