Impact of non-ionising radiation of male fertility: a systematic review

Fr J Urol. 2024 Oct 24;35(1):102800. doi: 10.1016/j.fjurol.2024.102800. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Exposure to non-ionizing radiation has become inevitable because people cannot escape sources of electromagnetic fields, such as Wi-Fi or cell phones. Among the mechanisms mentioned, the energy emitted by this non-ionizing radiation could cause heating which would have harmful effects on semen quality. The objective of our study was to carry out a systematic review of the literature concerning the impact of exposure to non-ionizing radiation from mobile phones (or other sources) on sperm parameters. We selected 12 studies: the majority of in vivo studies in humans and in vitro studies in animals report a significant impact on sperm count, mobility and vitality. Mobility and vitality seem to be the parameters most regularly impacted by exposure to non-ionizing radiation. Additional studies are necessary to complete this study in order to deepen knowledge with new generations of mobile phones which can raise health concerns.

Keywords: Electromagnetic radiation; Microwave rays and infrared rays then male fertility; Mobile phone; Non-ionizing radiation; Paramètres du sperme et spermatozoïdes; Rayonnement électromagnétique; Rayonnements non ionisants; Rayons micro-ondes et infra-rouge puis fertilité masculine; Semen parameters.