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

Abstract

Overview

The systematic review focuses on the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on male fertility. This review was conducted in alignment with the World Health Organization's protocol for guideline development and involved extensive searches across multiple databases and consultation with domain experts.

Methods

• The review included quantitative human observational studies which assessed the impact of RF-EMF on various aspects of sperm health and fertility.
• Databases such as MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched.
• Risk of bias was evaluated using the OHAT tool, and evidence certainty was assessed using the OHAT GRADE tool.
• A dose-response meta-analysis was conducted where feasible.

Findings

Results indicated varying impacts of RF-EMF exposure on sperm health:

• Mobile phone use showed uncertain effects on sperm parameters such as concentration and motility, with very low certainty of evidence.
• The effects of the position of a mobile phone on sperm health showed minimal to no significant impact.
• Exposures from other devices like computers showed little or no effect on sperm parameters but were limited by high risk of bias.

Conclusion

The evidence is largely uncertain and indicates a need for more rigorous prospective studies to clarify the potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on male fertility. Despite conducting a systematic review, the limited number of studies and their varying risk of bias make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions at this stage.