May 20th, 2016
Today cellphones have become an extremely important part of our lives; be it for communication, professional responsibilities or entertainment. In fact, according to a new study, most people have completely dumped their landlines. Based on the results of a new survey 60 – 65% adults (age range 25-34 years) exclusively rely on cellphones for communication.
Growing cellphone use is also associated with a number of health issues; especially sexual health deterioration and compromised male fertility. This is mainly because cellphones emit a special type of low level electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that has fairly high penetration potential when compared to traditional radiations. Many studies have been carried out to check the effect of these radiations on the sperm quality. For example, based on the results of a study conducted by a team of Chinese investigators at College of Preventive Medicine(2), radiations emitted from cellphones can reduce the motility of sperms by up to 8% and its viability up to 9%. Sperm count and quality also suffers a great deal in chronic cellphone users.
Study reported in the Male Infertility (3) journal explained the complex pathophysiology of sperm damage in chronic cellphone users.
All these finding indicates that excessive use of cellphones and the decline in sperm count have a direct relationship and cellphones can greatly affect overall reproductive health in men.
Smart phones and Wi-Fi comes side by side. When there is an extensive use of cellphones or smart phones there is also use of Wi-Fi. A research has shown that excessive use of Wi-Fi can cause cancer. Studies on animal at prenatal stage has shown that exposure to cellphone radiation can alter brain metabolism and DNA. It can also affect spinal cord and the learning abilities.
In order to protect reproductive organs and have healthy kids, experts recommend extreme caution and care:
1. Merhi, Z. O. (2012). Challenging cellphone impact on reproduction: a review. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 29(4), 293-297.
2. Zhang, G., Yan, H., Chen, Q., Liu, K., Ling, X., Sun, L., … & Tan, L. (2016). Effects of cellphone use on semen parameters: Results from the MARHCS cohort study in Chongqing, China. Environment international, 91, 116-121.
3. McGill, J. J., & Agarwal, A. (2014). The impact of cellphone, laptop computer, and microwave oven usage on male fertility. In Male Infertility (pp. 161-177). Springer New York.