Male Sexual Health and Laptop Use – Is His Fertility at Stake?

As the name implies, laptop computers are intended for an individual to use on his or her lap, right?  When purchasing a computer for work or personal use, it is assumed by the consumer that it is safe to use, whether it is placed on the lap, table, or desk.  However, researchers have recently raised concerns about whether or not this is actually true, and there are indications that a man’s sexual heath may even be at risk.  Learn more about the safety of using a laptop on the lap and how it may impact a man’s penis health.

Will a laptop harm the manhood?

As it turns out, some people are saying it can.  But are these opinions merely held by alarmists and whistleblowers looking to create controversy, or is it based in real, hard evidence?  One study published in Fertility and Sterility, a research journal, found that sperm may be damaged by the use of a Wi-Fi enabled laptop.  The study exposed several samples of sperm to the radiation emitted by a laptop for 4 hours and compared it to several samples of sperm that were not exposed to laptop radiation. 

They found that exposing the sperm to the laptop decreased sperm motility – in other words the ability to swim properly – and increased DNA fragmentation or sperm damage.  The researchers are attributing the damage to the exposure to laptop radiation, and they feel it is possible the same happens to sperm held within the testicles when exposed to prolonged laptop use. Scientific mumbo-jumbo aside, the study suggests that resting one’s laptop – while it is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi -- on the junk may harm a man’s fertility by causing sperm damage. 

So does that mean all laptop users will eventually become infertile?

Not in the least.  While studies like this may hit the media and explode, causing people to ban laptops from their homes – or at least their laps -- forever, it is just one study.  The authors believe it to be the first research conducted on the subject, which means much, much more research needs to be conducted before this evidence is accepted as fact.  In fact, if a man asked his doctor whether laptops pose a significant risk, his doctor would likely say no, because there simply is not enough evidence right now to indicate this is a serious risk.

Should a guy ditch his laptop just to be safe?

That is a decision that is best left up to every individual man.  Though men who already struggle with fertility issues, or are trying to get their partner pregnant may want to abide by the rule: better safe than sorry. Before ditching a laptop altogether, there are some protective measures a man can take if he is concerned about the radiation.

1)      Do not place the laptop on the lap when it is using Wi-Fi; rather, connect to the Internet the old-fashioned way using an Ethernet cable.

2)      Get a laptop rest to go on the lap; this will elevate the computer and reduce exposure to the testicles. In fact, it might actually improve posture and reduce neck or arm strain!

3)      Use the laptop only on a desk.

4)      Place the laptop on a nearby desk or table, but use a wireless keyboard on the lap.  This allows the convenience of a laptop but the device that is emitting the radiation is safely away from the testicles.  Studies indicate the radiation field is about one foot in all directions, so simply moving the laptop 12 inches away may be safer.

Keeping the penis healthy

Men who are waiting for more evidence that there is a serious risk before changing their laptop habits can still take other measures to ensure their penis is as healthy as can be.  Using a penis nutrient formula (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing penis specific vitamins and nutrients can help keep the manhood healthy and active.  Selecting one with ingredients like alpha lipoic acid and acetyl l carnitine can help enhance the sensitivity of the penis, while improving the health of the penis on a cellular level.  Apply after the daily shower for a fast and easy boost to the penis health routine.