[Long-term exposure to low intensity microwave radiation affects male reproductivity].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of Long-term exposure to low intensity microwave radiation on male reproductivity.


METHODS
A total of 289 married male radar operators were included in the radar group and 148 married men unexposed to microwave radiation were enrolled as controls. Questionnaires were used and the intensity of microwave radiation in different working areas was detected.


RESULTS
The rate of sexual dysfunction was 43.6% in the radar group and 24.4% in the control group (P < 0.01). The natural pregnancy rate was 53.6% within 1 year of marriage and 46.4% after 1 year of marriage in the radar group, as compared with 81.1% and 18.9% in the control group (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term exposure to low intensity microwave radiation evidently increased the sexual dysfunction rate and decreased natural pregnancy rate in men.
Yan
Su-wen
SW
PLA Institute for Technology of Family Planning and Healthy Birth and Care, 202nd Hospital of PLA, Shenyang, Liaoning 110003, China. yicongtang@hotmail.com
Zhang
Ning
N
Tang
Jie
J
Lu
Hai-ou
HO
Wang
Xi-liang
XL
D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D008889:Military Personnel; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011825:Radar; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires