Millions of men worldwide are hindering their reproductive abilities by using their laptops on their laps.
High scrotal temperature can cause infertility. A study by State University in New York demonstrates that laptops rapidly raise the temperature in the genital area and, consequently, pose long-term threats to a male's fertility by causing low sperm counts.
Researchers measured change in scrotal temperatures of 29 men in their 20s and 30s working from laptops. The results showed that the volunteers' testicles rose to dangerous temperatures rapidly.
Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the latest study shows that male scrotal temperatures rose 2.5 degrees Celsius after an hour of using a laptop on their knees. This increase in temperature poses risks to sperm formation.
"Within 10 or 15 minutes their scrotal temperature is already above what we consider safe, but they don't feel it," Professor Yelim Sheynkin, stated.
Little research has been conducted on the specifics of how laptops affect male infertility but scientists know that raising the scrotal temperature just over one degree Celsius can harm sperm production.
"Millions and millions of men are using laptops now, especially those in the reproductive age range."
The statistics are dramatic: one in seven couples in the UK have difficulty conceiving while one in six couples in the United States struggle with fertility problems. Male infertility accounts for about 50% of these cases.
There are a number of fertility tests and treatments available for couples wishing to overcome infertility.
The solution is contradictory to the point of a "laptop," though it is simple enough: keep your laptop on your desk.