Abstract

Presently, there is a rise in the use of mobile phones, laptops, and wireless internet technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G routers/modems across the globe; these devices emit a considerable amount of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) which could interact with the male reproductive system either by thermal or nonthermal mechanisms. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of mobile phone use on male fertility. Related studies that reported on the effects of EMR from mobile phones on male fertility from 2003 to 2020 were evaluated. PubMed database was used. The Medical Subject Heading system was used to extract relevant research studies from PubMed. Based on the outcomes of both human and animal studies analyzed in this review, animal and human spermatozoa exposed to EMR emitted by mobile phones had reduced motility, structural anomalies, and increased oxidative stress due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Scrotal hyperthermia and increased oxidative stress might be the key mechanisms through which EMR affects male fertility. However, these negative effects appear to be associated with the duration of mobile phone use.

Excerpt

Recent findings from human experimentation

Long-term exposure to EMR emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices, might play a role in male infertility because of an increased production of ROS in exposed cells [Figures ​[Figures22–​-55].[16]

https://europepmc.org/article/MED/33311902

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By: Health Council of the Netherlands

The Hague: Health Council of the Netherlands2020, publication no. 2020/16Ae: 1-131

Full text: https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Background-document-to-the-advisory-report-5G-and-health-2.pdf

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Emphasis added by EMFSA

4.1 Conclusions Page 26
In its analysis, the committee has assessed whether electromagnetic fields in the 5G frequency ranges have the potential to cause adverse health effects. It has assessed whether relations exist between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields on the one hand and the occurrence of diseases and conditions on the other. The relations between exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and the occurrence of cancer, reduced male fertility, poorer pregnancy outcomes and congenital defects have been classified by the committee as ‘possible’. However, the committee deems the relation between exposure and these and other diseases or conditions to be neither proven nor probable. The committee has also looked at the relation between exposure and biological processes, such as cognition, sleep and electrical activity in the brain. It is probable that changes in electrical activity in the brain are associated with exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, but it is not known whether that is favourable or unfavourable in health terms. For the majority of other biological processes it has neither been demonstrated nor is it probable that changes in them are associated with exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. Relations are classified as ‘possible’ for these processes. For changes in the immune system and hormone levels, no relation was found.

The findings about effects on male fertility and on pregnancy outcomes and congenital defects are based largely on animal studies. The extent to which these can be extrapolated to humans is not known.

It has not been possible for the committee to derive from the studies exposure levels at which the effects being investigated could occur in humans.

Because there is also a lack of knowledge about future exposure levels of individuals as a result of the introduction of 5G telecommunication and other possible applications such as self-driving cars, the committee is unable to make any statement about the actual health risks of future exposures to 5G frequencies

https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Advisory-report-5G-and-health-1.pdf

https://www.emfsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Executive-summary-5G-and-health-2.pdf

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Abstract

The correlation between long-term exposure to SRF-EMR and the decline in male fertility is gradually receiving increasing attention from the medical society. While male reproductive organs are often exposed to SRF-EMR, little is currently known about the direct effects of long-term SRF-EMR exposure on the testes and its involvement in the suppression of male reproductive potential. The present study was designed to investigate this issue by using 4G SRF-EMR in rats. A unique exposure model using a 4G smartphone achieved localized exposure to the scrotum of the rats for 6 h each day (the smartphone was kept on active talk mode and received an external call for 1 min over 10 min intervals). Results showed that SRF-EMR exposure for 150 days decreased sperm quality and pup weight, accompanied by testicular injury. However, these adverse effects were not evident in rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 50 days or 100 days. Sequencing analysis and western blotting suggested Spock3 overexpression in the testes of rats exposed to SRF-EMR for 150 days. Inhibition of Spock3 overexpression improved sperm quality decline and alleviated testicular injury and BTB disorder in the exposed rats. Additionally, SRF-EMR exposure suppressed MMP2 activity, while increasing the activity of the MMP14–Spock3 complexes and decreasing MMP14–MMP2 complexes; these results were reversed by Spock3 inhibition. Thus, long-term exposure to 4G SRF-EMR diminished male fertility by directly disrupting the Spock3–MMP2–BTB axis in the testes of adult rats. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show direct toxicity of SRF-EMR on the testes emerging after long-term exposure.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31514029/

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