Heat, Phones, and Fertility: What Men Should Avoid When TTC

ByRohan Sharma
Updated: 21 Jun 2025, 2:41 pm

While trying to conceive (TTC), the larger emphasis is usually on the female partner’s health. Nevertheless, to become pregnant, sperm needs to be of high quality, and it can be easily affected by many factors. Simple things such as always carrying your phone in a pocket, using your laptop on your legs, or spending a lot of time in saunas may weaken your sperm count and movement. Being aware of how exposure to heat and EMR might impact fertility is crucial for males wanting to have children. Understanding how various lifestyle choices can impact sperm health and how some easy alterations can help a lot.

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Male fertility is an equally important factor when one is trying to conceive (TTC), but it tends to be forgotten. The daily chores and the environmental factors, such as extended periods of heat exposure, keeping mobile phones in trouser pockets or regularly using laptops on laps, have the potential to negatively affect the quality of sperm and general reproductive well-being. The studies indicate that apparently small lifestyle decisions might have an impact on sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. Knowing what and why to avoid can give men the power to make fertility-supporting changes themselves. This article examines some of the main aspects likely to disrupt male reproductive health and provides some useful suggestions on how to maximise fertility during TTC.

In this article:



Why Male Fertility Matters in TTC

  • According to the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, about 30% to 50% of infertility cases are contributed to by male factors.
  • Healthy sperm requires proper formation, strong motility, correct design, and excellent DNA integrity.
  • Snug clothing and frequent smartphone use may interfere with healthy sperm development.
You can boost your chances of conception by identifying and modifying lifestyle habits.


Is there a connection between heat and healthy sperm?

The testes are located outside the body, where sperm production works best at temperatures 2 - 4°C lower than core body temperature. Even slight heat exposure for a prolonged time may hinder sperm production.

Everyday Sources of Heat Exposure to Avoid:

  • Frequent use of hot baths or saunas might decrease a person’s sperm count.
  • If underwear or trousers are too tight, they cause the scrotum to trap heat.
  • Placing a laptop on the lap may cause internal heat and change the testicles’ position, increasing their temperature.
  • When you sit for a long period, breathing and proper posture become a challenge, which results in heat.

A Clinical Insight

A 2015 study in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that scrotal temperatures rise by 2.8°C after 60 minutes of laptop use on the lap. This elevation lasted for more than 30 minutes afterwards, enough to disrupt spermatogenesis.



Mobile Phones and Male Fertility: What's the Concern?

Your mobile phone may seem harmless, but it emits low-level electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This radiation has been investigated for its potential to harm sperm DNA and reduce sperm motility.

EMR Exposure Risks:

  • Carrying your phone in your trouser pocket can affect the number and movement of your sperm over time.
  • Using a mobile phone for long periods may raise the amount of oxidative stress in the testes.
What studies have found:

A meta-analysis from 2014, published in Environmental International, looked at 10 different studies with over 1,400 samples. It found a consistent link between exposure to mobile phones and reduced sperm motility and viability.


How to Reduce Heat and EMR Exposure

You don't need to eliminate technology, just use it more mindfully.

Smart changes you can make:

  • Use a desk or table instead of your lap when you are using your laptop.
  • Go for cotton boxers that are loose, rather than wearing tight briefs.
  • It is a good idea to put your phone in a bag or a pocket that is away from your groin.
  • Avoid spending most of your day sitting in the same position. Make sure to stand and walk every hour for a good break. Yoga can be a good idea as well.
  • Reconsider using electric blankets or heating pads near the pelvic part of your body.

Other Factors That Could Affect Male Fertility


While heat and EMR are key concerns, don’t forget the other important aspects of your lifestyle contributors:

  • Smoking and Alcohol
  • It may lower a man’s testosterone and alter the DNA of his sperm.
  • Coincides with a greater risk of having reduced sperm numbers and poor movement.
  • Environmental Toxins
  • Exposure to pesticides, lead, cadmium, and plasticisers (like BPA) may lead to problems with sperm development.
  • Always put on protective gear when you are working in industries like farming, painting, or construction work.
  • Anabolic Steroids and Supplements
  • It might reduce the size of the testes and hinder sperm development.
  • It is possible for fitness supplements bought at the store to contain harmful additional ingredients.

Can Damage be Fixed?

The positive thing is that sperm is replaced roughly every 64 to 72 days. As a result, changes today can be seen in the quality of sperm within 2–3 months.

  • Regular efforts can increase sperm concentration, improve sperm motility, and improve the shape of sperm.
  • Ask a fertility specialist or andrologist to check your sperm and provide you with specific advice.
The fertility of men is influenced by a range of daily activities, such as too much heat exposure, long periods of using laptops on laps, and carrying mobile phones in trouser pockets. Although these things might not appear to be harmful, some studies have indicated that they might have an adverse impact on sperm motility, count, and quality. Simple precautions can make a significant change, such as avoiding tight-fitting underwear, avoiding direct sources of heat, and keeping electronic devices away from the groin area. In the process of conception, both partners are essential, and making healthier lifestyle choices can enhance success in the process as well as promote long-term reproductive health in men.

FAQs on Heat, Phones, and Fertility: What Men Should Avoid When TTC

  1. Can using a laptop for work affect fertility?
    Yes, especially if used directly on the lap. The heat from the device can increase scrotal temperature and reduce sperm count.
  2. Is there solid evidence that mobile phones reduce sperm health?
    Several studies, including large meta-analyses, indicate a negative association between mobile phone use and sperm quality, especially when carried in the pocket for long durations.
  3. Are tight clothes really that harmful?
    Wearing tight underwear or jeans traps heat and restricts airflow. Over time, this could affect sperm production.
  4. How long should I change my habits before trying to conceive?
    Ideally, aim for at least 3 months of healthy changes, as this aligns with one full cycle of sperm production.
  5. Should I stop using my phone completely?
    Not necessary. Instead, avoid keeping it in your trouser pocket and don’t use it for extended periods while charging or pressed against the body.
Disclaimer: Medically approved by Dr Ranjana Dhanu, Consultant, Gynaecology & Obstetrics at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai