Switzerland: A new study has suggested that increased mobile phone use may be linked to low sperm concentration and total sperm count (TSC).
The study was published in the journal Fertility and Sterility. The researchers surveyed 5,605 Swiss men aged 18–22 across six centres in the country. They also asked questions regarding their health and lifestyle and their parents’ preconception period.
The men were asked about their phone usage time and where they kept their mobile when they didn’t use it. 2,866 Swiss men aged 18–20 were examined for genital anatomy, testicular volume, weight, and height, and semen samples were collected for the study.
Semen analysis was performed based on the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to determine sperm concentration, TSC, motility, and morphology.
The statistical analysis involved using tests like the Kruskal-Wallis test, the chi-square test, and adjusted logistic and linear regression models. Furthermore, they conducted a sensitivity analysis, excluding the 1 percent of men with azoospermia.
Ms. Rita Rahban, author and co-leader of the study stated that, “average sperm concentration in men who use their cellphone more than 20 times a day was 44.5 million/mL, compared to 56.5 million/mL for men who don’t use their cellphone more than once a week. This difference corresponds to a 21 percent decrease in sperm concentration for frequent users compared to rare users.”
Heavy mobile phone users also had a lower average sperm count, about 120 million, compared to nearly 154 million for men who rarely use a cellphone. The report indicates that individuals who use cell phones heavily are more likely to have a sperm concentration below 15 million/mL.
However, the study conducted by the researchers did not assess the impact of mobile phone use on pregnancy rates, and it could not establish a direct cause-and-effect connection between phones and male infertility.
Mobile phone use did not affect the shape of sperm or their ability to move, the findings showed. There are a couple of possible reasons why cellphone use might harm semen quality, the experts said. An obvious possibility is the heat generated by phones, as per the statement.
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