A study conducted by scientists from Switzerland shows that constant use of a mobile phone can deteriorate the quality of men’s sperm and reduce their chances of having children. A study published in late October in the journal Fertility & Sterility analyzed sperm parameters of nearly 3,000 young Swiss men and found a link between frequency of phone use and lower sperm concentration and count.

The authors explain that sperm quality is determined by factors such as the number, motility and shape of sperm. The study indicates that electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones can affect these aspects and compromise male fertility. Adding to the problem are other environmental and lifestyle factors such as diet, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and tobacco, which have already been linked to poorer sperm quality over the past 50 years, the study adds.

The present study is the result of a first survey conducted in 2019 on the sperm quality of Swiss men aged 18 to 22 years recruited between 2005 and 2018 in six military centers. Researchers examined the relationship between sperm parameters of 2,886 men and mobile phone use. The young people completed a detailed questionnaire covering their lifestyle, general health and, in particular, how often they use their phones and where they put them when not in use.

How much will the sperm count decrease?

The data revealed a link between daily mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. The measurement was significantly higher in the group of men who did not use the phone more than once a week (56.5 million/ml) compared to those who used the device more than 20 times a day (44.5 million/ml). The difference corresponds to a 21% reduction for frequent users compared to infrequent users.

Sperm quality is determined by factors such as the number, motility and shape of sperm. Photo: Divulgação/R7/ND.

According to the values ​​set by the World Health Organization (WHO), a man may take more than a year to conceive if his sperm count is below 15 million/ml. In addition, the percentage chance of pregnancy decreases if there are less than 40 million gametes per milliliter of sperm.

More research needs to be done

The researchers emphasize that the study is the largest and most comprehensive ever conducted on the topic, and that the results are consistent with other previous studies. Experts recommend that men who want to have children avoid excessive use of mobile phones and keeping them close to their bodies. They also suggest that more research be conducted to confirm the effects of electromagnetic radiation on men’s reproductive health.

This year, the Swiss Federal Secretariat for the Environment began funding a study that will directly and accurately measure exposure to electromagnetic waves from mobile phones, determining the type of use (calling, browsing, messaging) and linking this to exposure to male reproductive health. Data will be collected by the application.