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Recent studies suggest that the usage of cell phones may be associated with a decrease in sperm concentration and overall sperm count.
Nonetheless, the research did not uncover any link between the usage of the devices and a decrease in sperm movement or shape.
There have been multiple theories about the decrease in semen quality over the past 50 years, attributing it to environmental and lifestyle factors. However, there is no evidence yet to prove the impact of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones on this decline.
A team of scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) examined information gathered from 2,886 Swiss males between the ages of 18 and 22. These individuals were selected from six military conscription centers and the data was collected between 2005 and 2018.
The researchers discovered that the group of men who only used their phone once a week had a significantly higher sperm concentration (56.5 million per milliliter) compared to those who used their phone more than 20 times daily (44.5 million per milliliter).
Based on the research, frequent users (defined as those who use their devices more than 20 times a day) have a 21% lower sperm concentration compared to rare users (defined as those who use their phone less than or equal to once a day).
The quality of semen is evaluated based on various factors including the concentration, total count, motility, and morphology of sperm.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if a man’s sperm concentration is below 15 million per milliliter, it is likely to take him over a year to successfully conceive a child.
Previous research examining the correlation between mobile phone usage and semen quality has been limited to a small sample size and has not taken lifestyle factors into account.
Moreover, the chances of getting pregnant will be reduced if there is a sperm count lower than 40 million per milliliter.
Previous research has indicated a decline in semen quality over the past five decades, potentially influenced by a mix of external elements such as pesticides and radiation, as well as personal habits like diet, alcohol consumption, stress, and smoking.
The correlation discovered in the research was strongest during the initial study period (2005-2007) and gradually decreased over time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018).
The results suggest that 4G could potentially be less detrimental than 2G.
According to Martin Roosli, an associate professor at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), this pattern aligns with the shift from 2G to 3G, and then from 3G to 4G, which has resulted in a decrease in the transmission power of mobile phones.
Rita Rahban holds the position of senior researcher and teaching assistant at the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development in the Faculty of Medicine at UNIGE. She is also affiliated with the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT) and served as the first author and co-leader of the research.
She stated that previous research on the connection between mobile phone usage and sperm quality was conducted on a limited number of people and often did not take lifestyle factors into account. This research may also be biased as participants were primarily recruited from fertility clinics.
As a result, the findings are inconclusive.
This study is intriguing and innovative, and there is no need for concern or significant alterations in behavior.
Alison Campbell, a professor from the Care Fertility Group.
The study, done in partnership with the Swiss TPH, also suggests that the location of the phone, such as in a pocket, was not associated with lower levels of concentration and count.
Unfortunately, the sample size of individuals who reported not keeping their phone near their person was insufficient to make a definitive determination on this matter.
The male participants in the research answered a thorough survey about their daily routines, overall health, how often they utilized their phones, and where they stored them when not in use.
The results, which were published in Fertility and Sterility, do not warrant concern according to experts.
At the moment, there is no proof that can enhance their sperm health. Personally, I will continue to keep my phone in my pants pocket.
According to Professor Alison Campbell, the Care Fertility Group’s chief scientific officer, this is an interesting and unique study that should not be a cause for concern or prompt significant changes in behavior.
“Men who are trying to conceive or improve their sperm health should engage in physical activity (while avoiding excessive heat in the groin area), follow a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, refrain from smoking and limit alcohol consumption, and seek assistance if experiencing difficulties with conception.”
According to Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at the University of Manchester, men can easily alleviate their concerns by storing their phones in a bag and minimizing their usage.
However, there is currently no proof that this will enhance their sperm health (which would require a randomized controlled trial). As for myself, I will continue to carry my phone in my pants pocket.
Source: independent.co.uk
