By Stephen Lau and editing by Stacey Sexton

Using wireless electronics like iphones and laptop computers improperly may harm men's fertility, a new study suggests.

The study which appeared in the journal Fertility and Sterility shows that men’s sperm quality decreases in an environment where electromagnetic radiation is present.

Researchers recruited 29 healthy volunteers and placed their semen samples under a laptop that connected wirelessly to the internet but was not online at the time.  The laptop was, however, turned on, and electromagnetic radiation was present, generated by the wireless connection.  Four hours later, researchers conducted semen analysis and found that 25 percent of the sperm were no longer moving and 9 percent of them showed DNA damage.  

The authors say the use of a laptop computer wirelessly connected to the internet and positioned near the male reproductive organs may decrease human sperm quality.

This finding is significant for all men, especially those who are attached to their electronic devices such as PSP, Iphones, etc.

Storing your phone in your jeans pocket may kill sperm not only because of the radiation generated, but also because of the heat produced.  Previous studies found that the temperature required for testicles to produce semen is lower than body temperature.

Sperm is produced and matures in the testicles.   It takes about 130 days to fully mature. It can survive for several minutes to a few hours when ejaculated outside the body and five days or longer inside a woman’s reproductive tract.

Radiation may damage the sperm by ruining its shape and structure and lowering sperm count, which directly affects men’s fertility. Studies show that you are more likely to be fertile when ejaculation contains 39 million sperm and more than 4 percent of the sperm have a normal shape and structure.

Ways to keep sperm healthy

1.       Perform moderate physical activity, but don’t overdo it. Exercise is healthy, but hormone levels and sperm quality change if you exercise excessively. If you bike, choose a bike seat that is not too hard or narrow and sit in different positions to keep your testicles cool.

2.       Consume more fruits and vegetables, especially those containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E.  These help produce semen.

3.       Maintain a healthy weight and good diet. Too much fat may disrupt production of reproductive hormones, which can decrease sperm count and increase the percentage of abnormal sperm.

4.       Keep your testicles cool. Tight trousers and underwear may produce heat higher than your testicles can tolerate. As stated above, heat higher than body temperature may kill sperm.  Sauna and hot tub use should be limited.

5.       Do not smoke or consume alcohol. Alcohol can poison sperm cells and lower sperm count. Smoking may decrease the sperm’s movement.

6.       Avoid unnecessary drugs. The side effects of some drugs, such as those used to treat cancer, affect sperm health. 

7.       Avoid toxins. When you enter an environment where chemicals or other dangerous substances are present, put on protective clothing and a face mask.

8.       Use natural products during sex. Use natural oil instead of lubricants and condoms made of natural rubber latex.

There are more ways to improve sperm health, but the study suggests limiting exposure to electromagnetic radiation is the most important.