Q+A

Q: Will keeping my cell phone in my pocket make me sterile?

a: Relax: This is one time you can keep it in your pants. "Heat is known to affect sperm" says Larry Lipshultz, M.D., a professor of urology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. A recent study from the State University of New York found that laptops, for example, can increase the temperature of the scrotum by nearly three degrees Celsius. (Previous studies reported that an increase of just one degree could impair fertility as much as 40%.) But while computers may be trouble for future generations, cell phones appear to be much safer--at least in terms of fertility--because they don't give off heat when they're not being used. "The radio waves associated with cell phones don't have a wide enough range to affect the testes, so there's just nothing to substantiate the idea that cell phones would affect fertility," says Lipshultz.

Seem to remember hearing differently? You very well may have. A Hungarian study released last summer suggested that carrying a phone in your pocket or on a belt clip could lower sperm counts by nearly 30%. The catch: Those doctors didn't take into account other factors that most men carrying cell phones tend to share, such as high stress levels, anxiety, and a history of smoking, all of which can also adversely affect sperm production. (That's why most researchers don't consider the finding valid.)

Q: How can I convince my girlfriend to watch porn?

a: When we asked Digital Playground up-and-comer Jesse Jane for her triple-expertise, she ironically told us to "get soft." "Before you can ease her into watching something more gonzo, you need to get something that's a little classier, a little softer, maybe like a vignette, or a movie that has story lines to it," Jane says. (She suggests her own film Island Fever 3.)

The key to introducing your girl to those special-interest videos? Make her feel like she's the sexiest woman alive. "Even if you have to do something corny, you know, like hold her hand, scratch her back, or look into her eyes and kiss her while you're watching," Jane says. "Let her know she's sexier than any of those women on the screen."

Q: I work really odd hours. What's the best way for me to eat nutritiously.

a: Graveyard shifts won't kill your health goals, as long as you stick to a 9-to-5 routine. "Some guys will use the night shift as an excuse to eat poorly and skip exercise," says MF training adviser Craig Ballantyne, C.S.C.S. But while you're not doing your metabolism any favors by working odd hours, you can still counteract ill effects from a crazy schedule. Here's how: [1] Sleep for eight hours straight, then eat right after you wake up. (Even though it's not breakfast time for everyone else, it's still the most important meal of your day.) [2] To keep your energy levels high, eat again four hours later. Focus on lean protein and fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and grains. [3] Snack regularly--every couple of hours between regular meals, and once more just before bed.

Q: Where should I keep my condoms?

a: Time to introduce your Trojans to your tube socks. According to Adam Glickman, founder and CEO of Condomania.com, your sock drawer is the best place to store your rubbers. "The natural enemies of latex are heat and pressure, so the optimum storage place should be cool and dark," Glickman says. "Drawers are dark--most of the time--and are cooler than other parts of your house, like near a radiator or windowsill."

The absolute worst place? Inside your wallet, where the combination of pressure and heat from your body quickly shortens any condom's shelf life. Storing a condom in your wallet also increases your risk of rupturing its packaging, which Glickman says can cause the lubricated condom to dry out and become brittle, making it much more likely to break during sex. Instead, when booty calls, take your love gloves along in a plastic condom case ($4 @ condomania.com), or try an empty Altoids tin. It's a cheap, easy-to-find, and most important, discreet option for protecting your condoms till you're ready to spring into action.

Q: What's the best type of flower to give women?

a: "A dozen long-stemmed roses are probably not the best choice," says Mark Held, an L.A.-based florist who has worked with celebrities such as Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani. "They're not very original, plus there's so much more incredible stuff to choose from," he says. His advice: Ask your florist for spring flowers in an "English garden-style" arrangement--and also to include more bulb flowers, like peonies and hyacinths. Since these flowers are available only in spring, they make much more distinctive gifts, especially for your mother. Speaking of Mom: Mother's Day is May 8 (in case you need an idea).

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning