Frequent use of mobile phones may have implications on semen quality, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in collaboration with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH).
The research, which analyzed data from 2,886 Swiss men aged 18 to 22 from 2005 to 2018, revealed that high mobile phone usage is associated with reduced sperm concentration. Specifically, individuals using their phones more than 20 times a day showed a 21% decrease in sperm concentration compared to those who used their phones less frequently.
Serge Nef, a full professor at UNIGE, co-directed the study and explained that participants provided detailed information about their lifestyle habits, general health, and mobile phone usage frequency. The findings showed that individuals who used their phones infrequently had notably higher sperm concentration compared to frequent users. This decline in sperm concentration was observed primarily in the earlier study period and diminished over time, coinciding with the shift from 2G to 3G and subsequently from 3G to 4G technologies, which led to reduced phone transmitting power.
Previous studies in this domain were limited by small sample sizes and lacked comprehensive lifestyle information. This new research offers significant insights into the potential impact of mobile phone use on semen quality. However, it is important to note that this study relied on self-reported data, which introduces a potential limitation.
To address this limitation, a new study is underway this year to directly measure electromagnetic wave exposure and assess its impact on male reproductive health. Participants will use a dedicated application to collect this data, aiming for a more accurate understanding of the relationship between mobile phone use and semen quality. The study also intends to explore the underlying mechanisms at play, such as the direct or indirect effect of mobile phone microwaves, their potential to elevate testes temperature, and their impact on hormonal regulation of sperm production.
The team is actively seeking participants for this study to expand our understanding of this critical issue. The implications of this research are significant, suggesting a potential connection between frequent mobile phone use and semen quality, which warrants further investigation.
The study’s findings were published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.
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