Is your smartphone affecting your reproductive potential?

New study warns: Frequent mobile phone use could be harming male fertility

CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: In a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), researchers have uncovered a potential link between frequent mobile phone use and reduced semen quality.

While various factors have been considered as possible explanations for the decline in semen quality observed over the past five decades, the impact of mobile phones on fertility has remained largely unexplored.

The study, representing the largest cross-sectional analysis to date on this subject, examined data from 2,886 Swiss men aged 18 to 22, collected between 2005 and 2018 at six military conscription centers. Participants were surveyed about their lifestyle habits, general health status, and mobile phone usage patterns, including frequency and proximity to the body when not in use.

The research revealed a significant association between frequent mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. Notably, the median sperm concentration was higher in men who used their phones no more than once a week (56.5 million/mL) compared to those who used their phones over 20 times a day (44.5 million/mL). This translates to a 21% decrease in sperm concentration for individuals classified as frequent users.

Interestingly, the study also highlighted the role of technological advancements in mitigating potential harm. The inverse association between mobile phone use and semen quality was more pronounced in the earlier study period (2005-2007) and gradually decreased over time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018). This trend aligns with the transition from 2G to 3G and subsequently to 4G networks, resulting in a reduction in the transmitting power of phones.

Contrary to popular belief, the study found no significant correlation between the position of the phone, such as carrying it in a trouser pocket, and lower semen parameters. However, the sample size of individuals who did not carry their phones close to their bodies was insufficient to draw definitive conclusions on this specific point.

As the debate surrounding the impact of mobile phones on human health continues, this study adds weight to the growing body of evidence suggesting a potential link between mobile phone use and decreased semen quality. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research to fully understand the implications of mobile phone use on male reproductive health and fertility potential.

While this study relied on self-reported data, limiting its accuracy, a new study funded by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is set to address this limitation. The upcoming study aims to directly and precisely measure exposure to electromagnetic waves, as well as the types of mobile phone use, such as calls, web navigation, and messaging. Furthermore, it will assess the potential impact on male reproductive health and fertility. Participants will be required to download an application that will collect the necessary data, and the research team is actively recruiting participants for this study.

The researchers behind this study also highlight the need for further investigation into the mechanism of action behind these observations. They propose exploring whether the microwaves emitted by mobile phones have a direct or indirect effect, such as increasing testes temperature or affecting hormonal regulation of sperm production.