Smart phones and the sperm: Do smartphones have an effect on semen parameters-An analytical cross-sectional study in an Indian tertiary care centre

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Cell phones are an essential part of our daily life. The effect of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by smart phones on male infertility is unclear and subject to debate. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of smartphone devices on semen parameters. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective, analytical study conducted on 145 infertile men attending the Out-patient department of Father Muller Medical College Hospital. The participants were recruited through a questionnaire-based approach following an abstinence of minimum 3 days. A minimum of 1 ml of semen sample was collected by masturbation in a sterile container. The participants were divided into 2 groups (< 2 hours and >2 hours) based on the hours of mobile usage. The main outcome measures analyzed were volume, liquefaction time, pH, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, viability, and sperm morphology. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 35.31±5.70 years, with primary male infertility being the chief complaint in 96.6% (140 cases). Our study showed a statistically insignificant inverse correlation between the time spent on the phone in hours with sperm concentration and motility. A weak negative correlation was also seen with usage of phone over 5 years and normal morphology. All other parameters did not show any significant difference. Conclusion: Our study failed to show any significant association between semen parameters and smartphone usage. However, a slight reduction in concentration, motility and normal morphology was observed which opens up avenues for future research.