Cell phones and male infertility: dissecting the relationship

Abstract

There has been a tremendous increase in the use of mobile phones in the past decade and concerns are growing about the possible hazardous effects of radio-frequency electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by these devices on human health. Preliminary studies, though with limitations in study design, suggest a possible link between cell phone use and infertility. A recent study found that use of cell phones adversely affects the quality of semen by decreasing the sperm counts, motility, viability and morphology. Evidence of detrimental effect of mobile phones on male fertility is still equivocal as studies have revealed a wide spectrum of possible effects ranging from insignificant effects to variable degrees of testicular damage. Although previous studies suggested a role of cell phone use in male infertility, the mode of action of EMW emitted from cell phones on the male reproductive system is still unclear. EMW can affect the reproductive system via an EMW-specific effect, thermal molecular effect or combination of both. Studies performed on human males are scarce and therefore further studies with a careful design are needed to determine the effect of cell phone use on male-fertilizing potential.

Male Infertility; Evidences, Risk Factors, Causes, Diagnosis and Management in Human

“…Mobile phone technology uses radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) and has drastically increased the RF-EMR exposure encountered in daily life. Increased risk of stillbirth with increasing preconceptional exposure to ionizing radiation was reported for fathers working at the Sellafield nuclear site in Cambria, UK [127]. Leydig cells, seminiferous tubules, and spermatozoa are the main targets of the damage caused by mobile phones on the male reproductive tract.…”

Histological and Cytological Examination of Rat Reproductive Tissue After Short-Time Intermittent Radiofrequency Exposure

“…Apart from the most common health problems in users of mobile phones such as memory impairment, headaches, sleep disturbance, depression, tiredness, neuro-endocrine dysfunction, and brain tumours, miscarriages and semen quality impairments have also been detected (2)(3)(4). The unfavourable outcomes of mobile phone use on male fertility have still not been fully established, as studies have revealed a wide spectrum of possible effects, ranging from insignifi cant ones to inconsistent degrees of testicular damage (5). It should be stressed that fi ndings from controlled laboratory studies are often controversial, unrepeatable or inconclusive.…”

Epidemiologic aspects of male infertility

“…usage might cause decrease in sperm count and other sperm parameters. 29,30 A study of Friedman et al revealed that cell phone radiation could lead to generation of ROS. 31 As societies increasingly introduce new chemical and potentially toxic substance into daily life, adverse effects may be amplified from one generation to the next.…”