Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality - No time-dependent relationship on usage: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis

Authors: Sungjoon Kim, Donghyun Han, Jiwoo Ryu, Kihun Kim, Yun Hak Kim

Year: 2021 Jul 29

Category: Environmental Research

Journal: Environ Res

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111784

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34333014/

Abstract

Overview

Mobile phones, which emit low-level radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMWs), are a growing concern due to their potential adverse effects on human health, including the brain, heart, endocrine system, and notably, reproductive function.

Findings

This systematic review and meta-analysis revisited the impact of mobile phone use on sperm quality, analyzing data from 18 studies with a total of 4,280 samples.
Key sperm quality indicators assessed were motility, viability, and concentration.
Results indicate that exposure to mobile phone EMWs is linked to reduced sperm motility, viability, and concentration, suggesting a detrimental effect. However, these effects were not significantly exacerbated with increased mobile phone usage.
The study reinforces findings from both experimental in vitro and observational in vivo setups.

Conclusion

Accumulating data highlights the risk mobile phone usage poses to sperm quality. Notably, the decrease in sperm quality parameters was profound in studies with in vivo methodologies, which show stronger clinical relevance. Ongoing and future research needs to explore the implications of newer mobile phone models and technologies in today’s digital era.

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