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

Abstract

Background: This study aims to determine the impact of laptop and tablet use on total motile sperm count (TMSC) in men being investigated for assisted reproduction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 156 men attending a fertility clinic in Jamaica. Routine semen analyses were performed and parameters specific to TMSC assessed. All data analyses were performed using SPSS Version 26. Logistic regression analyses were performed to independently predict the impact of quantifiable measures of laptop and tablet use. The main outcome measures were the parameters associated with TMSC.

Results: Overall, 64% of the participants reported using laptops and 36% reported using tablets. There was a significant relationship seen with time spent on laptops and time trying to conceive (p = 0.015). Regression analyses showed that persons who used their laptops for 2 to 5 h daily were approximately 16 times (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 15.9; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 2.5-103.3, p = 0.004) more likely to be diagnosed with low semen volume (hypospermia). Although no significant association was found between total motile sperm count (TMSC) and laptop use, a trend towards significance was observed with high laptop use (p = 0.052), suggesting potential implications for TMSC as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes.

Conslusions: Our findings highlight the need for clinicians to take into consideration wireless device usage in men undergoing fertility investigations.