Testicular Thermal Damage and Infertility from Laptop Use
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Abstract
Today, more laptop computers are being used on a daily basis than ever before. One of the health risks associated with extended, repeated use by men is that of testicular damage, or reduced spermatogenesis due to increased temperatures in the groin region. Naturally, the scrotum is maintained 2oC below standard body temperature. However, the combination of increased temperature due to leg positioning to support a laptop on the thighs, and the potential for temperatures of 60oC to be reached on the bottom, outer surface of the device [11] present a health risk. Although temperatures of 50oC are more common, they still contribute to a rise of approximately 0.6oC in addition to a 2.1oC increase which is already due to leg positioning alone. The direct contact between the thigh and testicles is a significant factor in this increase in temperature, as well as the laptop heat generation. In the future, potential methods of reducing heat conduction into the body may be mitigated by additional heat sinks, or fans which may reduce the effects of extended periods of laptop use.