Tanning Bed: Fertility Problems a Myth

The tanning bed fertility myth runs rampant, even though there doesn't seem to be a connection. There has been some mention by doctors that tanning could have a negative effect on a man's sperm count, but there is no real information as to how. There is evidence that spending too much time in the hot tub can create problems due to the heat factor. The sperm needs to remain cooler than the body temperature to stay active and alive, and excessive heat, such as the hot tub, can kill sperm. In regards to the heat in the tanning beds, the problem might be with the regular exposure to that type of heat. Additionally, the concentration of the UV rays may be a factor.

Spending a lot of time tanning can cause skin damage that can take 30 years to show up on the skin. Under that theory, it's possible that fertility issues could show up down the road, even after a man has stopped his exposure to tanning beds. There are other risk factors that have been proven, such as the possibility for malignant melanoma or damage to the immune system. These are a more substantial risk than tanning outside due to the concentrated UVA rays in the bed.

Tanning beds do come with inherent risk, just as exposing your skin to the sun does. Studies are still being done to see how extensive tanning indoors is to the skin and to the body. However, currently there is no proof that tanning can cause problems with a man's sperm count, and it isn't a common warning given by the FDA or CDC.