Are Mobile Phones Affecting Male Fertility?

November 6, 2023

Are Mobile Phones Affecting Male Fertility?A 10-year study conducted by researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) probes  the impact of mobile phone use on the semen quality of young men over a decade. The study aimed to determine whether electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones affects semen quality.

The study underscored the decline in semen quality, as measured by parameters such as sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology, over the past 50 years. The average sperm count has decreased from 99 million sperm per milliliter to 47 million per milliliter. This decline is attributed to a combination of environmental factors, including endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and radiation, as well as lifestyle habits such as diet, alcohol consumption, stress, and smoking.

However, the research focused on the impact of mobile phones on this concern. The study involved data from 2,886 Swiss men aged 18 to 22, recruited between 2005 and 2018 at six military conscription centers.
The study revealed an association between frequent mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. Men who used their phones more than 20 times a day had a 21% lower sperm concentration compared to those who used their phones less frequently (less than once a week). However, no association was found between mobile phone use and sperm motility and morphology.

The inverse association between mobile phone use and sperm concentration was more pronounced in the earlier study period (2005-2007) and decreased over time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018). This trend was attributed to the transition from 2G to 3G and then from 3G to 4G, leading to a reduction in phone transmitting power.

The study authors noted that the research relied on self-reported data, which may have limitations in accurately assessing exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The position of the phone (e.g., in a trouser pocket) was not conclusively associated with lower semen parameters due to a small number of participants who did not carry their phones close to their bodies.

To address these limitations, a study funded by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is planned for 2023. It aims to directly measure exposure to electromagnetic waves and assess their impact on male reproductive health and fertility. This will be achieved through an application that participants will download to their mobile phones.

Moreover, further research is needed to understand the mechanism behind the observed impact of mobile phone use on semen quality, including whether microwave emissions have a direct or indirect effect, affect testes temperature, or influence the hormonal regulation of sperm production.

Source: UNIGE

Tags: , ,

Category: Education, Features

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to HCA for exclusive updates

Top Viewed News

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

12 simple steps to a healthy lifestyle

Now that the world has returned to normalcy following the pandemic, everyone is back to their daily routines and encounters with stress... Read More

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

AZBIL: Envisioning the Future of Hospitals

As we strive to be the hospital of choice, why not refine our commitment to excellence beyond the pivotal mission of saving lives?... Read More

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Study Unlocks Key Findings on Asian Carriers of Breast Cancer

Malaysian researchers at Cancer Research Malaysia (CRMY) and the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) have published... Read More

 Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

Unmasking the Risks of Mercury-Laden Cosmetics

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and thus subjective; but in some countries, the ideal of beauty begins... Read More

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

5 key hospital etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting a sick patient

In moments of illness, the presence of loved ones can comfort and support. However, it’s important for visitors... Read More

Free counters!

2025 – 2026 Exhibitions



2025 Events


9-11 July
Medical Device Development (MEDIX) – Osaka
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.manufacturing-world.jp


14-16 July
Lab Asia
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Malaysia
www.lab-asia.com


16-18 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Kuala Lumpur
www.medlabasia.com


24 July
Medlab Asia | Asia Health
Singapore
www.conversationaltechsummitasia.com


13-15 August
Philippines Medical
SMX Convention Center Manila Philippines
www.philmedical.com


21-23 August
REHACARE China
Suzhou, China
www.rehacare-c.com


21-23 August
Medical Fair China
Suzhou, China
www.medicalfair.cn


3-5 September
Thailand Lab International
BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
www.thailandlab.com


3-5 September
Bio Ap International
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioapinter.com


9-12 September
China Dental Show
National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)
www.chinadentalshow.com


10-11 September
Hospital Management Asia
Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.hospitalmanagementasia.com


10-12 September
Medical Fair Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com


10-12 September
GITEX Digi Health & Biotech Thailand
BITEC, Bangkok
www.www.gitexdigihealth.com


11-13 September
Bio Asia Pacific
BITEC, Bangkok
www.bioasiapacific.com


16-18 September
OSH India
Hall-6, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E)
www.oshindia.com


24-26 September
Medtec China
Shanghai, China
www.en.medtecchina.com


7-9 October
Malaysia Pharma and Healthcare Expo
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
www.mphcexpo.com


9-11 October
Medical Japan Tokyo
Makuhari Messe, Japan
www.medical-jpn.jp


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


17-19 October
Health Asia
BITEC, Bangkok
www.health-asia.com


29-30 October
United Medical Expo
Astana, Kazakhstan
www.umtexpo.com


7-8 November
Eldercare Exhibition and Conference Asia (ELDEX Asia)
Suntex Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
www.eldexasia.com


10-12 November
Saudi International Pharma Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudipharmaexpo.com


10-12 November
Saudi International MedLab Expo
Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center
www.saudimedlabexpo.com


27-29 November
International Wellness Expo (IWE 2025)
METIC, Malaysia
www.internationalwellnessexpo.com


27-29 November
Vietnam Medi-Pharm
Friendship Cultural Palace , Hanoi
www.vietnammedipharm.vn


2026 Events


9-12 Febuary
Arab Health
Dubai World Trade Centre
www.arabhealthonline.com


15-17 April
Lab Indonesia
Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
www.lab-indo.com


28-30 April
SEACare
MITEC, KL
wwww.ea-healthcare.com


6-7 May
HealthTechX Asia
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
www.healthtechx-asia.com


4-6 June
International Health Industry Expo
China
www.ihe-china.com


16-18 June
CPhI China
SNIEC, Shanghai, China
www.cphi.com


25-27 June
Medical Taiwan
Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Taipei, Taiwan
www.medicaltaiwan.com.tw


9-11 September
Medical Fair Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medicalfair-asia.com


9-11 September
Medical Manufacturing Asia
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
www.medmanufacturing-asia.com


1-2 October
GITEX Vietnam
Hanoi
www.gitexasia.com