Swipe Right on Male Infertility: Effect of cell phone radiation on sperm motility

Abstract

Overview

The increasing use of smartphones, often carried in trouser pockets near the testicles, has raised concerns about potential negative effects on male reproductive health due to exposure to radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). This study explores the relationship between RF-EMR exposure from cell phones and sperm quality, particularly focusing on motility and viability.

Objective

The research aimed to evaluate the harmful impacts of RF-EMR on sperm parameters and investigate whether these effects could be reduced by using barriers such as cell phone cases or by increasing the distance between the phone and the semen sample.

Materials and Methods

• Study involved in vitro exposure of semen from normozoospermic men, aged 25-35, to RF-EMR from smartphones in talk mode over an 8-hour period.
• Effectiveness of mitigation strategies like phone cases and increasing distance was also assessed.
• Statistical analysis was conducted using paired t-tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Findings

RF-EMR exposure was found to significantly reduce sperm motility and viability. However, the use of a cell phone case and placing the phone further away (by 3 inches) from the semen sample were effective in mitigating these negative effects.

Conclusion

Exposure to RF-EMR from cell phones adversely affects sperm motility and viability. Implementing precautionary measures such as physical shields and maintaining distance from the scrotum can reduce these effects. The study suggests a need for further in vivo research to fully understand the implications of cell phone radiation on male fertility.