Mobile cell phone use and impact on male fertility potential—an environmental pollutant that needs more research

It has been quite remarkable how cell phones have evolved since the announcement of the first Apple iPhone in June 2007. Initially developed as a mobile telephone, vast improvements in computing chips and wireless data networks have allowed for cell phones to become powerful portable computing devices. Newer technologies, such as Bluetooth headphones and smartwatches, can now relegate phones to our pockets, acting as mobile servers to deliver information packets instead of being primary interaction devices. One noteworthy byproduct of this technological evolution is the burgeoning radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation exposure resulting from the increased use of these devices. Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation can be considered an environmental pollutant, and naturally over the years, there have been questions about its potential implications, particularly when it comes to its effects on fertility potential. In male fertility, semen analyses have been used as surrogate markers for male fertility potential. In this context, the exploration of the effects of cell phone usage on sperm characteristics takes on paramount importance. Over the past decade, there has been a growing body of literature examining the possible effects of cell phones on sperm quality. We recently performed an exploratory study on the in vitro consequences of contemporary cell phone radiation on semen parameters. We subjected ejaculated semen samples from normozoospermic men to the impact of active voice calls conducted via 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi data transmissions. We observed a decline in sperm motility and viability after exposure to Wi-Fi signals while not observing these effects in 4G or 5G transmission. Notably, the extent of this impact varied on the basis of factors such as the proximity to the phone and presence of potential shielding measures (1Chu K.Y. Khodamoradi K. Blachman-Braun R. Dullea A. Bidhan J. Campbell K. et al.Effect of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted by modern cellphones on sperm motility and viability: an in vitro study.Eur Urol Focus. 2023; 9: 69-74Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar). An important limitation of our study was that the exposed specimen was ejaculated sperm (in vitro), when it is logical that the effect of cellular phones within the testes and epididymis (in vivo, site of spermatogenesis), is the point of clinical importance. Study questionnaires were our main tools to study the cell phone effects on sperm parameters in vivo, used to measure habitual use and exposure/usage time of cell phones. Chen et al. (2Chen H.G. Wu P. Sun B. Chen J.X. Xiong C.L. Meng T.Q. et al.Association between electronic device usage and sperm quality parameters in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors.Environ Pollut. 2022; 312120089Crossref Scopus (4) Google Scholar) conducted an observational study that included 6,608 semen analysis records from 1,454 men of reproductive age to investigate the potential link of electronic devices with semen quality. They observed negative correlations between electronic device usage and specific sperm quality metrics such as sperm concentration, total motility, and progressive motility. The prolonged daily calling time was negatively correlated with sperm concentration and count. Interestingly, the use of headsets intensified this association, specifically regarding sperm motility. However, when confounders were assessed, general cell phone or computer usage alone did not manifest this correlation (2Chen H.G. Wu P. Sun B. Chen J.X. Xiong C.L. Meng T.Q. et al.Association between electronic device usage and sperm quality parameters in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors.Environ Pollut. 2022; 312120089Crossref Scopus (4) Google Scholar). Rahban et al. (3Rahban R. Senn N. Nef S. Rӧӧsli M. Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men.Fertil Steril. 2023; 120: 1181-1192Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Google Scholar) present this excellent study on semen parameters and mobile phone exposure, from 2007 to 2018. They observed that frequent mobile phone use (>20 times/day) corresponded with diminished sperm concentration and total sperm count. However, the negative association between mobile phone use and sperm quality was stronger from 2005 to 2007 and lessened until 2018. This is an extremely interesting finding because it postulated that an improvement in mobile technology and wireless networks may be resulting in lessened power consumption and decreased heat production, resulting in lesser association with effect on sperm parameters. Additionally, the investigators observed that mobile phones carried in the pants pocket, proximity to the scrotum, were not linked to decreased sperm quality. This plays contrary to what is commonly thought of as a potential risk. In the past, it has been hypothesized that the fabric of the pants that are being worn, as well as scrotal skin, may be providing adequate shielding. As there becomes a larger body of research, meta-analyses are crucial in understanding broader implications. In 2021, Kim et al. (4Kim S. Han D. Ryu J. Kim K. Kim Y.H. Effects of mobile phone usage on sperm quality - no time-dependent relationship on usage: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis.Environ Res. 2021; 202111784Crossref Scopus (9) Google Scholar) conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis investigating 18 pertinent studies on mobile phone exposure and effects on male fertility. Their findings indicated a detrimental impact of mobile phone usage on sperm quality. However, the data revealed significant heterogeneity in the studies as well as inconsistencies, stressing the need for further investigation. In conclusion, this study offers a significant contribution to our evolving understanding of the complex relationship between mobile phone usage and fertility. The findings, particularly the negative correlation between high mobile phone usage and sperm concentration and total sperm count, highlight the need for further inquiry into the potential consequences of cell phone usage. We agree with the investigators in their notion that future well-designed prospective studies will shed better light on potential environmental pollutant impacts. In a world marked by increasing cellphone exposure, continued exploration is crucial to form public health policies and individual choices. Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young menFertility and SterilityVol. 120Issue 6PreviewTo investigate the association between mobile phone exposure and semen parameters. Full-Text PDF Open Access