title: Effects of the exposure to mobile phones on male reproduction: a review of the literature.
abstract: The use of mobile phones is now widespread. A great debate exists about the  possible damage that the radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR)  emitted by mobile phones exerts on different organs and apparatuses. The aim  of this article was to review the existing literature exploring the effects of  RF-EMR on the male reproductive function in experimental animals and humans.  Studies have been conducted in rats, mice, and rabbits using a similar design  based upon mobile phone RF exposure for variable lengths of time. Together,  the results of these studies have shown that RF-EMR decreases sperm count and  motility and increases oxidative stress. In humans, 2 different experimental  approaches have been followed: one has explored the effects of RF-EMR directly  on spermatozoa and the other has evaluated the sperm parameters in men using  or not using mobile phones. The results showed that human spermatozoa exposed  to RF-EMR have decreased motility, morphometric abnormalities, and increased  oxidative stress, whereas men using mobile phones have decreased sperm  concentration, decreased motility (particularly rapid progressive motility),  normal morphology, and decreased viability. These abnormalities seem to be  directly related to the duration of mobile phone use.
authors.affiliation: Section of Endocrinology, Andrology, and Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, Catania University, Policlinico G. Rodolico, S Sofia 78th St, Bldg 4, Rm 2C82, 95123 Catania, Italy. sandrolavignera@email.it
authors.forename: Sandro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: La Vignera
authors.forename: Rosita A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Condorelli
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vicari
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: D'Agata
authors.forename: Aldo E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Calogero
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D040421:Cell Phone; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000528:radiation effects; D011817:Rabbits; D011846:Radio Waves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D012098:Reproduction / Q000528:radiation effects; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000528:radiation effects*