[bbfan1991]

Tests have revealed that using Wi-Fi on a laptop could reduce the effectiveness of ejaculated sperm.

A team of researchers found that sperm were less able to swim after four hours of exposure to Wi-Fi, while there was also evidence of DNA damage.

The findings were published in a Fertility and Sterility journal.

Using samples from 29 donors aged 26 to 49, the American and Argentinian scientists discovered that the sperm samples stored next to a wirelessly-connected laptop suffered a significantly bigger drop in quality compared to those away from a laptop.

Dr Conrado Avendano explained: "Our data suggest that the use of a laptop computer wirelessly connected to the internet and positioned near the male reproductive organs may decrease human sperm quality.

"At present we do not know whether this effect is induced by all laptop computers connected by Wi-Fi to the internet or what use conditions heighten this effect."

Avendano emphasised that more research needs to be undertaken and said that men should not worry for the time being.