Until now the evidence has been inconclusive on the short and long term safety of using cell phones. A recent study entitled, “Habits of cell phone usage and sperm quality – does it warrant attention?” was published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online. This study found that men who frequently talk more than 1 hour a day on their cell phones, or talk when their cell phones are attached to a charger, have sperm concentrations half of those who don’t. Another risk factor in decreasing sperm concentration to abnormal levels is carrying cell phones less than 20 inches from the groin.
In general, male sperm quality has been declining in Western countries accounting for 40% of infertility problems among couples. This was a fairly small study involving 106 men, but the findings are very interesting and scary.
We live in a time that it is almost impossible not to have a cell phone, not only for phone calls but for all types of information that even 5 years ago who could have imagined. Since the 1st cell phones became available for mass use there have been warnings of danger to our health due to radio frequency electromagnetic radiation that is emitted from phones, so close to our brains. Until now there have been no studies suggesting a link to various health issues, but no definitive studies showing a direct health risk from using cell phones. I am not an alarmist, but I always like to err on the side of caution.
What is the take-away from this study? Better to use hands-free device when using your cell phone. Keep phone calls brief. Don’t use your cell phone when it is charging. Keep your phone out of your pants pocket, especially if you and your spouse are trying to get pregnant. More studies are coming and my guess is they will continue to demonstrate that there is a health risk for using your cell phones for extended periods of time. Enjoy your cell phone….but use it wisely!