Effects of Electromagnetic Waves Emitted by Mobile Phones on Male Fertility

Abstract

With the increase use of cell phones, there are possible interactions of electromagnetic radiation hazard on human beings and their offspring. The recent upsurges of global interest of cell phone have created a fresh impetus on the development of natural disaster, which may or may not lead to cancer or birth defects. The objective of the biological evaluation is to find out the potential of cell phone on sperm cells having some new unknown effects. While thermal effects at the present level of cell phone radiation are negligible, most of the biological interactions are attributed to non-thermal effects. Male reproductive system is highly compartmentalized and sensitive biological system that requires the integration of intrinsic and extrinsic factors to properly function. The generated electrical currents may alter the hormonal milieu and testicular microenvironment, necessary for sperm production. Additionally, sperm are electrically active cells and their exposure to cell phone electromagnetic waves and currents may affect their motility, morphology and even their count. Leaky plasma membranes, calcium depletion and oxidative stress are the postulated cellular mechanisms mediating the harmful effects of cell phones radiation on sperm and male fertility potentials. Evidences for such impacts come from designed animal and in vitro studies which may be different from in vivo human exposure. Nevertheless, the important advice is to apply strict regulations on further increase in the power density of the emitted cell phone radiation and to conduct in vivo human research to study its negative effects on fertility.

Key words:   Cell phone, electromagnetic waves, male infertility, sperm.