Is frequent mobile phone use linked to reduced sperm quality in young men? Swiss study finds

A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted in Switzerland has revealed an association between high-frequency mobile phone use and decreased sperm concentration and total sperm count in young men.

The study involved 2,886 participants aged 18 to 22 who were recruited during military conscription between 2005 and 2018. Participants delivered a semen sample and completed a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including the number of hours they spent using their mobile phones and where they placed them when not in use.

The study's findings indicated that men who used their mobile phones more than 20 times per day experienced a lower sperm concentration and total sperm count. This association was most pronounced in the initial study period (2005-2007) but gradually lessened over time, coinciding with advancements in mobile phone technology and lower output power.

The study did not find consistent links between mobile phone use and sperm motility or morphology, and storing phones in pants pockets did not appear to impact semen quality. While these findings are suggestive, further research with improved exposure assessment is needed to establish causality.

Reference: Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men, Rita Rahban et al, Published:October 31, 2023, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.09.009