News | Heavy Mobile Phone Use Linked to Lower Sperm Counts
In a Fertility and Sterility study, Swiss researchers examined self-reported mobile phone use and semen quality in young men. More frequent use was clearly associated with lower sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC).
Background
About 17% of couples worldwide experience infertility, and male factors contribute to about 50% of cases. Causes of poor semen quality are not fully understood, although obesity, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and stress can affect sperm count. Increasing exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from widespread phone use has prompted research into possible effects on male reproductive health.
Methods
The study surveyed 5,605 men aged 18-22 about health, lifestyle, parental preconception factors, duration and frequency of phone use, and where phones were kept when not in use.
Results
Among 2,866 men who had physical examinations and provided semen samples, those using phones more than 20 times daily had 21% lower sperm concentration and 22% lower total sperm count than occasional users. The association was strongest in 2005-2007 and weakened later. About 85.7% kept phones in trouser pockets, but storage location was not significantly associated with semen parameters.
Conclusion
This comprehensive assessment suggests that rising mobile phone use may affect male reproductive health. Prospective studies are needed to clarify how RF-EMF exposure may affect male fertility.
News | Heavy Mobile Phone Use Linked to Lower Sperm Counts
News | Heavy Mobile Phone Use Linked to Lower Sperm Counts
In a Fertility and Sterility study, Swiss researchers examined self-reported mobile phone use and semen quality in young men. More frequent use was clearly associated with lower sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC).
Background
About 17% of couples worldwide experience infertility, and male factors contribute to about 50% of cases. Causes of poor semen quality are not fully understood, although obesity, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and stress can affect sperm count. Increasing exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from widespread phone use has prompted research into possible effects on male reproductive health.
Methods
The study surveyed 5,605 men aged 18-22 about health, lifestyle, parental preconception factors, duration and frequency of phone use, and where phones were kept when not in use.
Results
Among 2,866 men who had physical examinations and provided semen samples, those using phones more than 20 times daily had 21% lower sperm concentration and 22% lower total sperm count than occasional users. The association was strongest in 2005-2007 and weakened later. About 85.7% kept phones in trouser pockets, but storage location was not significantly associated with semen parameters.
Conclusion
This comprehensive assessment suggests that rising mobile phone use may affect male reproductive health. Prospective studies are needed to clarify how RF-EMF exposure may affect male fertility.
Story source:
Collected online