The effects of radiofrequency exposure on male fertility: A systematic review of human observational studies with dose-response meta-analysis (SR 3 male)

Abstract

Overview

The World Health Organization (WHO) has undertaken a series of systematic reviews to develop evidence-informed guidelines for radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure. This review focuses on the potential impacts of RF-EMF on male fertility in human observational studies.

Methods

• Broad search across several databases including MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science.
• Inclusion of quantitative human observational studies examining multiple fertility parameters in adult males.
• Employment of the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool for risk assessment and the OHAT GRADE tool for evidence certainty.
• Conduct of dose-response meta-analysis where applicable.

Findings

Results identified very uncertain evidence on the effects of phone use on sperm parameters such as concentration and motility, with issues like exposure characterization bias impacting many studies. The review also observed minimal effects related to the position of mobile phone carrying on sperm characteristics.

Conclusion

Currently, evidence does not strongly support significant effects of RF-EMF exposure from mobile devices on male fertility, and further rigorous prospective studies are needed. The exposure from other RF-EMF sources also suggests minimal or no effects.