Scrotal temperature rises in laptop users

Laptop computers used in the lap position significantly increase scrotal temperature as a result of heat exposure and posture-related effects, according to a report in Human Reproduction (published online Dec. 9, 2004).

The study followed 29 healthy volunteers in two separate 60-minute sessions. Scrotal temperature was monitored with thermocouples every 3 minutes with the working laptop in a lap position and in the same sitting position without the laptop.

Investigators found scrotal temperature on the right and left side increased significantly with working laptops (p<.0001) and without laptops (p<.0001). Scrotal temperature elevation with working laptops was significantly higher (p<.0001).

"Long-term exposure to laptop computer-related repetitive transient scrotal hyperthermia is a modern lifestyle feature that may have a negative impact upon spermatogenesis, specifically in teenage boys and young men," wrote the authors, led by Yefim Sheynkin, MD, of the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

The long-term effects still need to be studied, Dr. Sheynkin said.