When you and your partner start trying for a baby, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to improve your chances of conceiving. For many years, scientists have advised that men try to keep the groin area cool, as rising temperatures near the testicles can negatively impact sperm production. Balancing a laptop on your legs and keeping your phone in your trouser pocket are therefore no-nos when trying for a baby.
However, new evidence suggests that it’s not just the heat of electronic devices that impacts sperm production. In this article, we will explore whether late night exposure to light from your phone or tablet could be impacting your fertility.
Electronic Devices and Sperm Quality
A study led by Dr Amit Green, head of research and development at The Sleep and Fatigue Institute in Israel, found that evening exposure to light-emitting screens, such as phones and tablets, was related not only to poor sleep, but also to poor sperm quality.
Using semen samples from 116 men undergoing fertility treatment, the researchers looked at semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, and total sperm count. Men who used a smartphone or tablet in the evening and after bedtime had reduced sperm concentration and sperm motility, and a greater percentage of immotile sperm. Overall, using a phone or tablet in the evening was associated with a decline in sperm quality.
As part of the study, men were also asked to rate their sleepiness. Those who felt sleepier were found to be producing less motile sperm cells. Conversely, men who slept for longer at night and felt less sleepy had greater sperm motility and a higher total number of sperm.
Although this study suggests a connection between digital media screens and reduced sperm quality, further research is required to confirm the link.
How Can I Boost My Fertility?
Dr Green’s study suggests that if you are trying to conceive, it may be wise to avoid using screens in the evening. Unrelated studies have also shown that getting around 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night supports healthy sperm production.
Other lifestyle changes that may boost healthy sperm production include:
- Quitting smoking
- Aiming for a healthy body weight
- Abstaining from drinking alcohol
- Minimizing stress where possible.
How Can YO Sperm Tests Help?
Many of us use smart phones or tablets late at night, and so you may be wondering whether this has affected your swimmers. Using a YO Sperm Home Test will tell you whether your motile sperm concentration is normal, or below normal. Discovering this information at home could give you the confidence you need to keep trying to conceive, or alternatively indicate whether you may want to seek advice from a fertility specialist.
Find out more about YO Sperm Home Tests here.
