Abstract

Abstract Overview

With the growing ubiquity of low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from both electricity distribution networks and electronic devices, there is a contentious debate about their safety. These EMFs are under scrutiny for potentially harmful effects on human health, particularly male reproductive functions.

Objectives and Design

This research aimed to elucidate the effects of LF-EMFs on male fertility, specifically analyzing impacts based on waveform type, frequency, and exposure duration. This comprehensive review spanned studies from January 1978 through June 2016, examining both human and animal research.

Methodology

• Sources included PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.
• A stringent selection process yielded 27 pertinent articles from an initial pool of 61, focusing on varied effects on reproductive outcomes.

Key Findings

Findings from the reviewed studies were mixed, highlighting a dependence on various exposure parameters. Notably, an exposure setting of LF-EMF at 15 Hz with a peak intensity of 8 Gauss and a square waveform of 50 Hz frequency for a short duration positively influenced sperm quality and motility.

Conclusions

The results suggest that while certain specific settings of LF-EMF exposure can enhance male fertility, other frequencies and settings might not affect or may even harm sperm functionality and overall cellular health. The complexity of EMF impacts is noted, with a call for more rigorous, controlled research to further delineate these effects.