New research warns men they risk infertility when using their laptops on their knees.

Scientists believe by not using the laptop on a desk or a table, their private parts are liable to overheat. This could result in damage to sperm. What’s more, using lap pads won’t give full protection; researchers found the testicles overheated to a dangerous level even after 10 minutes of use.

However while it is known that just an increase in temperature of 1.8 degrees Celsius is enough to damage sperm, researchers have not said that an increase in temperature is proof that it causes infertility. Nevertheless, the fact that the scrotum’s temperature is raised by using a laptop should be a warning to avoid potential problems.

So, what should men do? The answer is to use a laptop on a table, and not on the knee.

While laptops are possible causes of male infertility, other research suggests that women could be at risk if they are not treated for infections and age.

This particular finding was found when medical researchers studied Nigerian women.

Speaking at a conference, Dr. Naheemdeen Ekemode, a gynaecologist and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ekemode Memorial Hospital & Women’s Infirmary in Lagos said: “The age range of maximal fertility in women is 20- 24 years. The incidence of infertility during this period is 15 per cent. It increases to 39 per cent at 35 years and 48 per cent between 35 years and 39 years.”

But microbial infection also plays a part in infertility in women, in particular Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This is a very serious condition resulting from infection of the cervix and vagina. If left untreated women run the risk of PID damaging the reproductive tract.