The habit of holding a laptop on your lap may lead to poor sperm quality and impact male fertility.
Laptops have become an essential technological device that supports various activities, ranging from studying to work. This is because they are highly practical and easily portable. Furthermore, laptops can be used in various ways, including holding them on one’s lap.
Holding a Laptop: A Risk to Fertility?
For men who often hold laptops on their laps, caution is advised. Surprisingly, this habit can affect fertility, especially if you are planning to have children.
According to Dr. Androniko Setiawan, a specialist in Andrology at Bocah Indonesia, this habit can worsen the quality of sperm. “Holding a laptop on the lap can deteriorate the quality of sperm,” said Dr. Androniko.
Research published in the journal Human Reproduction in 2005 stated that the heat from a laptop could increase the temperature of the testicles, affecting sperm production, a condition known as scrotal hyperthermia.
Tanya Ferly tentang Promil?
However, according to Dr. Tiara Kirana, a specialist in Andrology at Bocah Indonesia, research regarding the impact of laptops or gadgets is still minimal and thus highly speculative. “Up to this point, research on the impact of gadgets or laptops on sperm quality is very limited, making it speculative to link wifi signals or laptops alone to impaired sperm quality,” said Dr. Tiara.
This practice can not only affect men but also women. Holding a laptop for a prolonged period may impact the release of egg cells, making it difficult to conceive.
Health Risks of Holding a Laptop
If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to avoid the habit of holding a laptop on your lap. Nonetheless, do not neglect other health conditions. Holding a laptop too often can result in:
Neck, Shoulder, and Back Issues: Poor body posture can lead to neck and back pain.
Skin Problems: The heat from the laptop can increase the temperature on your thighs, which can lead to more severe issues if not addressed.
A study published in the Pediatrics journal reported a 12-year-old who experienced brownish skin, spots, and pain, known as “Toasted Skin Syndrome” or Erythema Ab Igne, due to holding a laptop on the lap for an extended period.
Can Holding a Laptop Trigger Cancer?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), laptops are a significant source of electromagnetic radiation (EMF). However, the EMF emitted from laptops falls within the low-to-medium frequency category. Therefore, there is no mechanism to prove that electromagnetic radiation from laptops can cause cancer.
In conclusion, holding a laptop on your lap can pose health risks, especially if you are planning to conceive. If you experience any reproductive health issues, consult a doctor immediately.
Source:
Arnold, A.W. (2010). Laptop Computer-Induced Erythema ab Igne in a Child and Review of the Literature. Pediatrics 126(5):e1227-30.
Sheynkin, Y., et al. (2005). Increase in scrotal temperature in laptop computer users. Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Issue 2, February 2005, Pages 452–455.
Wu, Y.Q., et al. (2020). Effect of transient scrotal hyperthermia on human sperm: an iTRAQ-based proteomic analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2020; 18: 83.
