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The role of technology in our world today is, without doubt, one that cannot be overemphasized. Every profession and sector in the world today has been made easy and much more convenient because of technology. With the constant rate of advancements, we are yet to see the best of technology; the future is bright.
However, these innovations are not without their drawbacks. One major drawback that has been at the center of scientific research and studies is the electromagnetic radiation from these devices.
The truth is, as technology advances in sophistication and functionalities, so are the level and dimension of the damaging effect of EMF radiation.
EMF radiation has been associated with different health anomalies and adverse biological effects. However, one adverse effect that has been recurring in scientific studies is the effects of EMF radiation on male fertility.
Devices such as cell phones, televisions, microwaves, tablets, laptops, etc., are almost unavoidable. We need them for all our daily activities. This means men, and humans in general, are constantly exposed to these sources of radiation.
Now, EMF radiation has been shown to affect male fertility in different ways. We will explore all of this in detail and leave you with how to protect yourself from it.
Let’s get started!
There are three main hormones responsible for regulating the male reproductive system; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates spermatogenesis, and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones pretty much ensure the production of testosterone, and testosterone further stimulates the production and development of male secondary sex characteristics and spermatogenesis, the production of sperm.
The most common form of EMF radiation men, and humans in general, are exposed to is radiofrequency radiation, which is a form of non-ionizing radiation. This form of radiation is produced by cell phones, tablets, microwaves, and many other wireless devices.
One of the most vulnerable organs to RF-EMF is the testes. In a 2021 study, it was found that exposure to RF-EMR emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi devices can cause testosterone reduction. Testosterone plays a major role in maintaining male fertility. It regulates sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm.
Also, the follicles stimulating hormone, FSH, and the luteinizing hormone, LH, in men primarily help control the production of sperm. And as you must have already known, without sperm, a man is not fertile. Disruptions to this may result in a series of reproductive health anomalies.
EMF radiation is a major trigger of these reproductive health anomalies. For instance, research has shown that radiofrequency radiation causes a reduction in the levels of FSH, LH, and testosterone with increasing duration of exposure.
Also, RF-EMR exposure from a mobile phone could impair testicular function without affecting pituitary function, according to a study.
Another important cell in the male reproductive system is the Leydig cell. The Leydig cells are the main source of testosterone or androgens in males. As such, Leydig cells play a crucial role in many vital physiological processes in males, including sperm production or spermatogenesis, controlling sexual development, and maintaining secondary sexual characteristics and behaviors. These cells are also vulnerable to RF-EMF radiation.
A study reveals that radiofrequency radiation can damage the structure and function of Leydig cells, thereby leading to a reduction in the level of testosterone. In another research, long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation leads to a decrease in serum testosterone levels. A decrease in testosterone level would mean a decrease in the production of sperm, which may ultimately result in infertility.
The endocrine system, which regulates different glands and hormones in the body, may also be affected by radiofrequency radiation. Damage to this system means damage to different functions of the body, reproduction included.
For context, some of the glands in the endocrine system include the pineal, hypothalamus, testes, and pituitary, among others. Now, you see why you can’t afford to have this system damaged.
Arguably the sperm cells are the most important in the male reproductive system. Without sperm, a man is infertile. Different studies have associated radiofrequency radiation with induced poor sperm quality and sperm damage, which is closely related to infertility.
Also, the non-ionizing radiation from cell phones has been linked with a significant decrease in progressive motile sperm count, according to a study. Well, not just radiation from cell phones only but, according to the same study, emissions from Wi-Fi devices and laptops negatively affect sperm quality. EMF is also responsible for the decrease in fertilization rate and spermatogenic cell numbers and triggers apoptosis.
Another study concludes that “the RF-EMF may induce oxidative stress with an increased level of reactive oxygen species, which may lead to infertility. This has been concluded based on available evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies suggesting that RF-EMF exposure negatively affects sperm quality.”
Furthermore, radiofrequency radiation has been associated with testicular cancer or DNA damage. This is the most severe concern concerning infertility in males. However, this depends on the absorption rate of the radiation, which invariably depends on the level of exposure, duration, frequency, and intensity.
Sperm development and maturation occur in the testicles, and this makes testicles very sensitive to radiofrequency radiation. Hence, on exposure to EMF radiation, there is an increase in the number of free radicals, which precipitate oxidative stress that leads to the damage of the cells.
In the same study, it was found that men using mobile phones have decreased sperm concentration, motility, normal morphology, and viability. Exposure to RF-EMF and testicular damage, and decreasing sperm quality is caused by most oxidative stress by increasing levels of free radicals.
Going by all these studies, and research, it is obvious that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) have deleterious effects on sperm parameters (like sperm count, morphology, and motility). It also disrupts the role of kinases in cellular metabolism and the endocrine system and produces genotoxicity, genomic instability, and oxidative stress.
You should also know that it is your responsibility to protect yourself from EMF radiation, and avoiding EMF-emitting devices is almost impossible. Virtually all the devices around you are potential sources of EMF radiation, including automobiles, planes, cell phone base stations, Bluetooth devices, big industries, etc. And you can be sure there is more to come.
Updated February 13th, 2024