Cell phones are associated with male infertility; understand

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How many times a day do you check notifications on your cell phone? According to a study carried out in Geneva, Switzerland, men have a higher risk of infertility when they use the device more than 20 times a day. The problem related to male fertility is the drop in the number of sperm.

“Greater use of cell phones is associated with lower sperm concentration and total sperm count,” state the authors, in an article published in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

However, researchers understand that there is still much to be investigated in the relationship between cell phones and infertility, as the causal relationship has not been proven to date. Other factors not considered may be the cause of lower sperm production in men who use their smartphones excessively. They also do not risk explaining how using the device affects the male reproductive system.

Cellular cell and sperm count

The controversial Swiss study followed 2,800 men, with initial ages between 18 and 22 years old. All participants enlisted in military service between 2005 and 2018.

Each volunteer provided semen samples for laboratory analysis. In addition, they answered questionnaires about their lifestyle, which included questions about how often they use their cell phones and where they usually keep the device.

In the group, men who used their cell phones more than 20 times a day had a lower average sperm concentration than those who accessed their smartphones less.

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In “addicts” to cell phones, researchers found “an increased risk of 30% and 21% of sperm concentration [concentração espermática] and total sperm count below the World Health Organization reference values [OMS] for fertile men, respectively.” Both parameters contribute to male infertility.

However, the study did not find consistent associations between cell phones and motility — the sperm’s ability to move — or shape. These points also contribute to cases of infertility.

Risk to male fertility?

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“This is a fascinating study,” says Alison Campbell, researcher at Care Fertility, in a note for the platform SMC. However, the expert points out that the result “should not cause alarm or drastic changes in habits”.

“The authors [do novo estudo] highlight that more studies are needed to confirm whether cell phones were the cause of the observed reduction in sperm numbers”, explains Campbell, who was not involved in the investigation in Switzerland. “There is currently no confirmed explanation of the biology or mechanisms behind this discovery, as research has not yet been carried out,” he adds.

If, as a precaution, a man wants to reduce the use of cell phones in his daily life, thinking about reversing infertility or improving sperm health, it is necessary to know that this measure alone is still not enough, based on current scientific data.

In a proven way, Campbell explains that, to increase sperm health, men can follow the following 5 tips:

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1. Practice physical exercises, avoiding overheating in the groin area;
2. Adopt a balanced diet, restricting excess calories and sugar;
3. Maintain a healthy weight;
4. Avoid smoking;
5. Limit alcohol consumption.

It is worth noting that other research has already demonstrated the risk of some chemical substances for muscular fertility, such as some types of insecticides.

Source: Fertility and Sterility and SMC