The effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and fertility among Jordanian males

Abstract

Background and objective: Cell phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation are prejudicial to human fertility. The objective was to study the effect of cell phone usage on semen quality and men's fertility. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional observational study conducted on 159 men attending infertility clinics at North, Middle and South Governorates in Jordan and undergoing infertility evaluation were divided into two groups according to their active cell phone use: group A: ≤1 h/day and group B: >1 h/day. No interventions were given to patients and semen samples were collected by masturbation in a sterile container after an abstinence period of 5 days. The main outcome measures were sperm volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, count, motility and morphology. Results: There were no statistical significance differences (p > 0.05) between both groups regarding sperm quality parameters according to cell phone use, but there were statistical differences in the frequencies of sperm concentration, volume, viscosity, liquefaction time and means of immotile sperms and abnormal morphology. In addition, time spend on watching television and using wireless phones were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing mean percentages of normal morphology. The distance from telecommunication tower was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms volume. Meanwhile, the time spend on sending or receiving messages was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) associated with decreasing sperms count and carrying mobile phone in trouser pocket was significantly associated with increasing means of immotile sperms. Conclusion: Cell phone use might have a negative effect on semen quality parameters and further research is needed.

Keywords

• Cell phone
• Electromagnetic radiations
• Sperm quality
• Male fertility