This is the truth about whether resting your laptop on your lap affects your fertility
It's a common worry
Unless you’re at work or maybe on a train, the chances are pretty high that you use your computer by resting it on your lap. But have you ever wondered what impact this might be having on your between-me-down-theres? My computer is pretty old and it feels like it gets as hot as the sun… and what about radiation? Is that an issue?
Now, a panel of experts have spoken to The Verge about everything you could ever want to know on the topic.
Essentially, it’s pretty good news. There is no credible evidence that using a laptop on your lap will damage your genitals or have any real effect on your fertility.
- On the topic of laptops, these are the best laptops for students.
Keep your laptop on your lap? No need to panic
Dr John Emory, an endocrinologist at the University of Washington Medical Centre, said: “The good news is that laptop use shouldn’t have any negative impact on fertility.”
Dr Sarah Vaugh, an infertility fellow at Stanford University, agreed that there are not enough studies on the issue to prove that this is a major problem.
And the reason that we don’t really need to be worried is that laptops don’t get hot enough to cause any real damage. It’s true that testicles need to remain cool – that’s why they’re on the outside of the body – but laptop heat just isn’t high enough to affect sperm production.
However, the experts agreed that if you are concerned about your fertility you might want to stick to a desk just in case.
Read more: If smoking is so damn bad for you why don’t they just make it illegal?
And they also agreed that radiation from a laptop is so tiny you really don’t need to worry – it’s the same amount of radiation as going on a plane or even walking around outside.
The doctors, however, did have some advice about other things you should avoid to make sure your fertility isn’t damaged:
- Prolonged time spent in very hot hot-tubs
- Marijuana
- Opiates
- Alcoholism
Smoking, drinking and drugs are far more likely to affect your sperm than a laptop
- Having sex every two or three days
- Moderating your alcohol consumption and stopping smoking
- Staying in good shape, exercising regularly and having a healthy, balanced diet
(Images: Getty / Unsplash)