An emerging study says that mobile users can affect sperm count.
Researchers say that mobile phone usage increases exposure to electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves could cause damage to sperm concentration, viability, and motility.
Research has proven that electromagnetic waves are detrimental to the brain, heart, and endocrine systems. Now, new studies are proving that these radiofrequency waves also affect sperm concentration.
Infertility is already on the rise owing to different reasons. Rising stress, work-life imbalance, alcohol abuse, exposure to toxins, weight issues, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and sleep routines are some of the main causes of rising infertility. Statistics suggest that about 10 to 14 percent of the Indian population faces difficulty in conceiving. And these numbers are on a steep rise. Now emerging research suggests that the use of mobile phones could also be a contributing factor to this rising infertility.
Mobile usage and sperm count – Understanding the connection
Research suggests that mobile phones emit radiofrequency electromagnetic waves that can impair sperm quality. Studies found that when men carry their mobile phones in their pants pockets, close to their testicles, their semen is exposed to these damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves. These waves have higher levels of damaging free radicals which are shown to reduce sperm motility and viability. The same study revealed that no DNA damage was observed but these waves tend to cause greater oxidative stress.
For those who do not know, sperm motility is the speed with which the sperms can swim or move and sperm viability means the proportion of live sperms in a sample. Both of these factors are very important for male fertility.
Effect of mobile phone usage on sperms – Research Quotes
Several studies have examined the effect of mobile phones on the quality and quantity of sperm. A 2012 study confirmed that excessive use of mobile phones can result in a decrease in sperm motility, viability, and concentration.
Another study quoted that long-term usage of cell-phone is likely to impact sperm quality. Research reviewing 10 different studies suggested that sperm’s mobility or its ability to move toward an egg for fertilization appears to fall by 8% when a man is exposed to electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones. A similar effect was seen in the viability or the proportion of sperm.
Mobile usage and sperm count – A clinical study
A study conducted in 2014 examined the relationship between mobile phones and sperm count. The study involved 32 healthy men with healthy semen parameters. The participants were divided into two groups. One group kept their cell phones in close proximity to their testicles and the other group avoided keeping their mobile phones in their pockets. On examination of their semen, it was concluded that long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation showed a negative impact on sperm motility.
Another study revealed that sperm motility fell by 8 percent when the semen samples were exposed to cell phone radiation. The same study also found that sperm viability and overall quality of the sperm also deteriorated on exposure to cell phone radiation.
How to improve your sperm health?
Most people often think about their sperm quality only when they think about having a baby. But the quality of sperm, its motility, and vitality, depend on a lot of factors. Lifestyle choices, dietary choices, and several other things impact sperm count and quality over a course of time.
Here are a few things that you must do if you want to improve your sperm quality –
- Exercise – Regular exercising is not only important for your physical looks or mental well-being. But the release of good hormones and the improvement in blood circulation also result in better sperm health.
- Diet – Exercise and diet are undoubtedly the two most important things when it comes to good health. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E can help reverse oxidative stress in sperm. Drinking amla juice is one of the great ways to improve your sperm quality.
- Sleep – Sleep is an excellent de-stressor and we already know the effect of stress on fertility. Getting 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep is important for good sexual health. It not only improves your mood, libido, and sexual desire but also your sperm count.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking – Alcohol and smoking, both have a detrimental effect on sperm quality. Heavy smoking is associated with decreased sperm count and alcohol is found to increase the count of morphologically abnormal sperm. Thus, avoiding both can help improve your sperm quality.
- Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha is an excellent natural supplement for boosting male fertility. It helps combat stress, improves libido, and even increases sperm quality and count.
Mobile usage can lower sperm count – Your Takeaway!
Recent research is revealing the dark side of using mobile phones. From impacting your mood and causing depression to cause ‘text-neck’ syndrome, the downsides of using mobile phones are coming into the limelight. Now, emerging resources are suggesting that excess use of mobile phones can result in lower sperm count. The studies are still in preliminary stages and more research is needed to confirm the severity of this impact. However, till more research crops up, it is a wise choice to keep your mobile away from your testicles.
Also Read:
Sex and Sleep: How to increase your fertility while sleeping?
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