Excessive use of mobile phones has a detrimental effect on sperm concentration, according to research conducted by the University of Geneva. Men who used their smartphones at least twenty times a day experienced a significant decrease in sperm count. The University of Geneva’s team collected data from 2886 men aged 18 to 22 who provided sperm samples. Overall, there was a 21 percent decrease in sperm concentration among men who frequently used their phones compared to those who used their mobiles no more than once a week. This trend was observed from the early years of the study, around 2005, and gradually declined until 2018. Researcher Martin Roosli suggests that the transition from 2G to 3G and from 3G to 4G networks during those years had less influence on health issues. Interestingly, this occurred despite the exponential growth in mobile phone usage during the same period.

The study, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, also indicates that the location of the mobile phone, such as being carried in a trouser pocket, does not impact sperm quality and concentration. The research further highlights that one in six couples faces difficulties in conceiving, with approximately half of these cases being attributed to male factors.

Nonetheless, many questions remain to be answered, as the researchers point out. Do the microwaves emitted by mobile phones have a direct or indirect effect? Do they cause a significant increase in testicular temperature? Are they involved in hormonal regulation affecting sperm production? As lead author Rita Rahban states, much remains to be discovered in this field of study.