A study from Switzerland encompassing 2,886 males links frequent cell phone usage with diminished sperm quality, specifically in concentration and count, though not affecting movement or shape. Interestingly, earlier 2G technology was more closely associated with these reductions than more recent technologies. The location where phones were kept, such as in pockets, did not correlate with these decreases in sperm parameters. Further research is anticipated to measure electromagnetic field exposure more precisely and to explore underlying causes.
A collaborative study by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) has scrutinized over ten years of data to understand the influence of cell phones on the semen quality of young men.
Is there a connection between mobile phone radiation and declining semen quality? Despite suggestions that various environmental and lifestyle factors may have contributed to the decline in semen quality over the last five decades, the role of mobile phones remains uncertain.
The study by UNIGE, with Swiss TPH, represents a significant cross-sectional analysis on this topic. Their findings indicate an association between regular mobile phone use and reduced sperm concentration and overall sperm count, while no link was found to sperm motility or shape. These findings were reported in the scientific journal Fertility & Sterility.
Semen quality is typically assessed by measuring sperm concentration, count, motility, and morphology. World Health Organization (WHO) standards suggest that a sperm concentration under 15 million per milliliter significantly extends the timeframe for conception beyond one year. Moreover, the likelihood of pregnancy diminishes as sperm concentration falls below 40 million per milliliter.
There is evidence of a decline in semen quality over the past fifty years, with sperm count halving from an average of 99 million to 47 million sperm per milliliter. This decline is believed to be influenced by a range of environmental factors like pollutants and lifestyle choices, such as diet and stress.
Evaluating Mobile Phone Impacts
The question remains whether mobile phones also contribute to this decline. After a preliminary national study in 2019 on Swiss young men’s semen quality, UNIGE researchers have now presented the most comprehensive cross-sectional study on this issue. The data comprises information from 2,886 Swiss men, aged 18 to 22, collected from 2005 to 2018 at military conscription centers.
UNIGE and Swiss TPH researchers have investigated the relationship between the semen quality of these men and their mobile phone habits.
“Participants filled out a thorough questionnaire covering lifestyle habits, health status, frequency of phone use, and storage habits,” states Serge Nef, a full professor at UNIGE’s Department of Genetic Medicine and Development and the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology, who co-led the study.
Findings from the questionnaire highlighted a significant link between regular phone use and reduced sperm concentration. Men who rarely used their phones showed a median sperm concentration of 56.5 million/mL, while those who used them excessively had a median of 44.5 million/mL, reflecting a 21% decrease in sperm concentration for the latter group.
Does technology evolution mitigate risk?
This negative correlation appeared stronger during the initial study period (2005-2007) and seemed to diminish over time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018). “This change coincides with the transition from 2G to later technologies, which involves reduced transmission power from the phones,” explains Martin Rӧӧsli, associate professor at Swiss TPH.
“Prior investigations into mobile phones’ effects on semen quality involved fewer participants, limited lifestyle data, and potential selection bias as they were often conducted in fertility clinics, leading to ambiguous outcomes,” remarks Rita Rahban, senior researcher at UNIGE and first author of the study.
Where you keep your phone may not be critical
The study also suggests that where the phone is carried, like in a trouser pocket, does not seem to influence semen quality parameters. “The sample size for this particular observation was too small to confirm a robust conclusion,” adds Rahban.
This epidemiological study, like others before it, relies on self-reported data, which poses certain limitations. The next step, a study initiated in 2023 by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), aims to directly measure electromagnetic exposure and evaluate its impact on male reproductive health by utilizing an app installed on the participants’ mobile phones. Recruitment for participants in this study is currently underway.
The researchers also aim to elucidate the mechanisms behind their observations. “We are looking to determine whether mobile phone microwaves directly or indirectly affect sperm quality, whether they cause a significant temperature rise in the testes, or if they interfere with hormonal regulation of sperm production,” concludes Rahban.
For further details, refer to the study “Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men” by Rita Rahban et al., dated 1 November 2023, in Fertility and Sterility.
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.09.009
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about mobile phone use sperm quality
Can mobile phone use affect sperm quality?
Yes, a Swiss study involving 2,886 men has found that frequent mobile phone use is associated with lower sperm concentration and total sperm count. However, no association was found with sperm motility or morphology.
Has the study found a link between the location of phone storage and sperm quality?
No, the study did not find any association between the location of phone storage, such as trouser pockets, and lower semen parameters.
Did the impact of mobile phone use on sperm quality change with different phone technologies?
Yes, the study indicated that the negative association between mobile phone use and sperm quality was more pronounced with the 2G technology than with newer generations like 3G and 4G.
What parameters are used to assess semen quality?
Semen quality is assessed based on sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. These parameters are crucial indicators of male fertility potential.
How has sperm quality changed over the past five decades?
Sperm quality, particularly sperm count, has reportedly declined over the past fifty years, dropping from an average of 99 million sperm per milliliter to 47 million per milliliter.
What are the limitations of epidemiological studies investigating mobile phone use and semen quality?
These studies often rely on self-reported data, which may not accurately reflect actual exposure to electromagnetic radiation. This reliance on self-reported usage is considered a limitation in drawing conclusive results.
What future research is being planned to understand the impact of mobile phones on semen quality?
Further research is planned to directly measure exposure to electromagnetic waves and to assess their impact on male reproductive health. This research will utilize an application that participants will install on their mobile phones for more accurate data collection.
More about mobile phone use sperm quality
- University of Geneva Study
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
- World Health Organization Sperm Quality Guidelines
- Fertility and Sterility Journal
- Federal Office for the Environment Study Recruitment
