Fried Circuits: Effects of Laptop Computer Use on Male Fertility

Objectives—Participants will: • Compare and contrast trends in reproductive health issues affecting men • Describe the effect of laptop computer use on male fertility • Identify potential health issues relative to portable technology and men's health

It is estimated that 15-25% of couples are either unable to conceive or experience difficulty in conception. This can lead to emotional distress and relationship strain. It is difficult to determine the extent to which male infertility or subfertility accounts for these figures as many diagnostic techniques are subjective and cannot account for the range of physiological and morphological problems associated with subfertility or infertility. It has been reported that infertility rates have increased in the past three decades and we do know that there are many environmental exposures that may reduce male fertility. Increased scrotal temperature is known to reduce fertility and it is likely that many novel technologies, such as laptops, may chronically increase scrotal temperatures. There is also concern that electromagnetic emissions from such devices may cause other health problems since they are often held close to the genitals. A literature review has been conducted to examine the role that novel technological devices may play in male infertility. Additionally, we have correlated increases in the numbers of laptop computers with rates of infertility and other negative health outcomes in men. Understanding the role that laptop computers and other portable devices play in men's health issues is important in reducing the rates of infertility and the emotional consequences of such conditions.