Study confirms that keeping mobile phones in trouser pockets could make men infertile

One of the most controversial questions in recent times is - do mobile phones cause infertility or not? While the debate has been going on for a while now, a study conducted at the University of Exete

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: June 11, 2014 11:21 am

One of the most controversial questions in recent times is – do mobile phones cause infertility or not? While the debate has been going on for a while now, a study conducted at the University of Exeter showed that mobile phones did cause a decrease in sperm viability. Also Read - Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: 4 reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha is good for you

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The team led by Dr Fiona Mathews, of Biosciences at the University of Exeter, conducted a systematic review of the findings from ten studies, including 1,492 samples, with the aim of clarifying the potential role of this environmental exposure. (Read: Beware men, high intake of sugary drinks can lead to infertility) Also Read - Male Infertility: Tips to boost sperm count and increase fertility

The researchers found that this proportion fell by an average of 8 percentage points when there was exposure to mobile phones and similar effects were seen for sperm viability. The effects on sperm concentration were less clear. Dr. Mathews said that given the massive scale of mobile phone use around the world, the potential role of this environmental exposure needs to be clarified. Dr. Mathews asserted that this study strongly suggested that being exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from carrying mobiles in trouser pockets negatively affects sperm quality. The study is published in the journal Environment International.(Read: Treating infertility the new and improved approach)

Here’s is why we think this study might be correct:

While this study, does seem a bit ambiguous, there are others that have established that keeping your cellphone in the front pocket of your pants or strapped to a belt, can definitely affect a man’s sperm quality, the motility of his sperm and the overall quality of his fertility.

A study led by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic^{1} found that men who used their cell phones for longer than four to six hours in a day had considerably lower sperm quality than men who didn’t.

Another study conducted by Dr Ashok Agarwal, Phd, found that cell phone radiation decreased the sperm count, motility,viability, and normal morphology^{2}

Apart from this a third study performed by scientists at the Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, Catania University ^{3} found that radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) emitted by mobile phones can actually harm human sperm. The saw that spermatozoa exposed to RF-EMR had decreased motility, morphometric (shape) abnormalities, and suffered from increased oxidative stress. They also found that men using mobile phones experienced a decrease in sperm concentration in their semen, changes in normal morphology if the sperm with decreased motility — overall affecting their motility. The study was concluded by an observation that the longer a man uses his mobile phone the greater his risk of suffering from decreased and damaged sperm.

While cell phones can lead to infertility, there are other sources as well. Here are some of them:

Laptops

While a laptop may be your go-to device for everything from ordering a meal to earning your salary, scientists have said that keeping a laptop on your thighs can affect your sperm quality and make you infertile. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility suggests that ejaculated sperm (of men working with a laptop) was significantly damaged. (Also read: Beware: Laptops could make you infertile)

Obesity

The list of diseases linked to obesity is long. It is also the leading cause of infertility in both men and women. In men, it can affect the sperm count and in women, it makes miscarriages likelier and also interferes with their menstrual cycle. If you are obese, it is important that you fight the condition and get back in great shape. It may take months of hard work, but will keep you happy for years after. Not only will it make you healthier, it will be great for your self confidence too! (Also read: 10 reasons losing weight is great for your sex life)

Smoking

Like obesity, the list of diseases linked to smoking is long. Its harmful effects are well publicized and are prominent in public consciousness. A report by the British Medical Association showed that smokers may have up to a 10-40 percent lower monthly fecundity (a.k.a. fertility) rate.

However, smokers continue smoking thinking it wouldn’t happen to them. (Also read: Different ways to quit smoking)

Triclosan soaps and deodorants

A common antibacterial and antifungal ingredient called triclosan has been linked to infertility and other hormonal conditions in its users. There’s also enough evidence to suggest that the compound doesn’t have greater efficacy than regular soap which would mean it would be a good idea to check your soap and deodorant ingredients the next time you’re at the supermarket! (Read: 10 things that could cause infertility)

With inputs from ANI

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Published : June 10, 2014 11:57 am | Updated:June 11, 2014 11:21 am

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