The Effects of Exposure to Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Male Fertility

Authors: Darbandi M, Darbandi S, Agarwal A, Henkle R, Sadeghi MR

Year: 2017 Jun 23

Category: Reproductive Biology

Journal: Altern Ther Health Med

Institution: Avicenna Research Center

DOI: pii: AT5423

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28646801

Abstract

Overview

With the rising use of electronic devices, there is increased exposure to low frequency (LF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While some believe LF-EMFs could have harmful impacts on human health, others consider them a therapeutic alternative, potentially benefiting bodily functions and disease treatment.

Objective and Design

This study aimed to scrutinize the impact of LF-EMFs on male reproductive health, assessing the influence of waveform types, frequencies, and exposure durations. It involved comprehensive review of available research spanning from 1978 to June 2016, excluding duplicates and irrelevant materials, eventually examining 27 pertinent articles.

Setting and Participants

Conducted at the Avicenna Research Center, Tehran, Iran, the research drew from studies on various animals including rabbits, mice, rats, and boars.

Findings

  • The results showed mixed outcomes, heavily dependent on the exposure settings such as waveform shape, frequency, intensity, duration, and timing.
  • Specifically, LF-EMF exposure at 15 Hz and 8 Gauss with a square waveform of 50 Hz for a few hours or less enhanced sperm quality, motility, and fertility. Other frequencies showed no beneficial effects or were biologically hazardous.

Conclusion

The relationship between EMFs and cellular functions remains poorly understood, indicating a pressing need for more standardized and controlled studies to ascertain the health impacts of EMFs, particularly concerning risks on reproductive health.

EMF male fertility reproductive health electromagnetic fields low frequency sperm quality
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