Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the potential impact of mobile phone usage on semen quality among young men in Switzerland. This cross-sectional study captures data from 2886 men aged 18–22 years, recruited during military conscription.

Methodology

• Setting: Andrology laboratories close to army recruitment centers.
• Participants provided semen samples and completed health and lifestyle questionnaires.
• Analysis involved logistic and linear regression models to assess the relationship between mobile phone use and various semen parameters like sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC).

Findings

Increased mobile phone usage was linked to lower sperm concentration and TSC. Specifically:

• Men using their phones >20 times per day showed decreased sperm concentrations and TSC.
• The risk for sperm concentration and TSC being below the World Health Organization's reference values increased by 30% and 21%, respectively.

This inverse relationship was most pronounced in earlier years of the study (2005-2007) and showed a diminishing trend over time. No significant links were found between mobile phone storage (e.g., in pants pockets) and reduced semen quality.

Conclusion

The association suggests potential risks to male reproductive health from frequent mobile phone usage, necessitating further investigation with improved methodologies for measuring direct RF-EMF exposure to reproductive organs.