Can resting a laptop on your abdomen cause infertility?
This is a very common question that our physicians get at RMA. Unfortunately, there are limited studies in the literature to help answer these questions.
In men, elevated scrotal temperatures have been linked to infertility.
We know there are many factors that can raise the scrotal temperature, including hot baths, saunas, and tight underwear or shorts.
In a small study, following 29 men, the use of a laptop was found to increase scrotal temperature. Given this finding, perhaps extended laptop use could be included in this list of risk factors of increasing temperature.
For women, it’s a different situation, as the oocytes are produced in a woman’s ovaries and are found within the pelvic cavity.
The oocytes are more protected within the body as compared to the male scrotum and the same concern for an increase in temperature is not present. There may be concerns regarding other technology, but these haven’t been well-studied and conclusions can’t be made.
In short, I would recommend practicing caution when using laptops, it’s probably best for men to use them on a table or desk, rather than on their laps.
