Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) from cellular phones on human ejaculated semen: an in vitro pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate effects of cellular phone radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) during talk mode on unprocessed (neat) ejaculated human semen.


METHODS
Prospective pilot study.


METHODS
Center for reproductive medicine laboratory in tertiary hospital setting.


METHODS
Neat semen samples from normal healthy donors (n = 23) and infertile patients (n = 9).


METHODS
After liquefaction, neat semen samples were divided into two aliquots. One aliquot (experimental) from each patient was exposed to cellular phone radiation (in talk mode) for 1 h, and the second aliquot (unexposed) served as the control sample under identical conditions.


METHODS
Evaluation of sperm parameters (motility, viability), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of semen, ROS-TAC score, and sperm DNA damage.


RESULTS
Samples exposed to RF-EMW showed a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability, increase in ROS level, and decrease in ROS-TAC score. Levels of TAC and DNA damage showed no significant differences from the unexposed group.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones may lead to oxidative stress in human semen. We speculate that keeping the cell phone in a trouser pocket in talk mode may negatively affect spermatozoa and impair male fertility.
Agarwal
Ashok
A
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio. Electronic address: Agarwaa@ccf.org.
Desai
Nisarg R
NR
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Makker
Kartikeya
K
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Varghese
Alex
A
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Mouradi
Rand
R
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Sabanegh
Edmund
E
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
Sharma
Rakesh
R
Center for Reproductive Medicine, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
D000465:Algorithms; D040421:Cell Phone; D004249:DNA Damage / Q000528:radiation effects; D004542:Ejaculation / Q000528:radiation effects; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012661:Semen / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055101:Semen Analysis
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species