Research reveals mobile phone use could reduce sperm count and quality
According to a new study, men who use their mobile phones frequently are likely to have lower sperm counts.
The University of Geneva analysed data from thousands of men aged 18 to 22 to establish whether a link between mobile phone usage and sperm count and quality exists.
It found men who used their phones 20 times or more each day registered a 44.4m per millimetre sperm count, 21% lower than the 56.5m of those who used mobile devices once a week.
The good news is that both figures easily surpass the 15m per millimetre threshold the World Health Organisation (WHO) sets for conceiving a child within a year.
The research also failed to find a link between device usage and the low movement and shape of sperm.
However, it does potentially provide an explanation for a drop in the quality of sperm that has been noted during the last few decades.
Scientists have previously blamed a range of lifestyle and environmental factors, but mobile phone usage could also be an issue.
One encouraging insight from the study is that newer cellular network technologies may not be as harmful.
The findings suggest that 2G was more dangerous than 4G and 5G, with current technology reducing the “transmitting power” of devices.
Professor Alison Campbell concluded that while the research is interesting, he warned against making “drastic changes” to habits.
Fellow professor Allan Pacey added: “There is currently no evidence that will improve their sperm quality … As for me, I will be continuing to keep my phone in my trouser pocket.”