Laptop and tablet use and their influence on total motile sperm count parameters: are laptops linked to infertility in Jamaican men?

Authors: Sterling L, Carroll K, Harris LR

Year: 2024 Dec

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Rev Int Androl

DOI: 10.22514/j.androl.2024.027

URL: https://files.intandro.com/files/article/20241230-28/pdf/RIA20240615001.pdf

Abstract

Overview

This study investigates whether the use of laptops and tablets, which emit electromagnetic fields (EMF), influences total motile sperm count (TMSC) among men in Jamaica who are seeking assisted reproduction.

Methods

  • A cross-sectional design was applied to 156 men attending a fertility clinic in Jamaica.
  • Semen analyses and TMSC-specific parameters were assessed.
  • Data analysis was performed via SPSS Version 26.
  • Logistic regression evaluated the association between quantified laptop/tablet use and TMSC outcomes.

Findings

  • 64% of participants reported laptop use; 36% reported tablet use.
  • Significant association was found between time spent on laptops and duration of attempting conception (p = 0.015).
  • Daily laptop use of 2–5 hours dramatically increased the likelihood of being diagnosed with low semen volume (hypospermia), with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 15.9 (95% CI: 2.5-103.3, p = 0.004).
  • While no significant association was seen between overall TMSC and laptop use, a trend toward significance with high laptop use (p = 0.052) was observed, suggesting a possible impact on fertility.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the connection between laptop/tablet use and reproductive parameters, notably hypospermia, in men under fertility assessment. These findings underline the necessity for clinicians to consider wireless device and EMF exposure in male infertility evaluations, indicating a tangible link to potential health risks.

EMF exposure infertility laptop use tablet use sperm count male reproductive health Jamaica
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