Challenging cell phone impact on reproduction: A Review

• Published in: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 293 - 297
• Main Author: Merhi, Zaher O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Boston Springer US 01.04.2012; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animals; Apoptosis; Brain; Case reports; Cell Phone; Cellular telephones; Electromagnetic Radiation; Excitability; Female; Fertility; Gonadal Physiology and Disease; Gonads; Gonads - radiation effects; Granulosa Cells - radiation effects; Gynecology; Hormones; Human Genetics; Humans; Infertility; Kinases; Literature reviews; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolism; Ovary - radiation effects; Radio frequency; Reproduction; Reproduction - radiation effects; Reproductive Medicine; Reproductive organs; Spermatozoa - radiation effects; Pregnancy; Ovary; Reproduction; Granulosa cell; Gonad; Sperm; Radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation; Cell phone
• ISSN: 1058-0468; 1573-7330
• DOI: 10.1007/s10815-012-9722-1

Purpose The radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) produced by cell phones can enhance the excitability of the brain and has recently been classified as carcinogenic. The suggested use of hands-free kits lowers the exposure to the brain, but it might theoretically increase exposure to the reproductive organs. This report summarizes the potential effects of RF-EMR on reproductive potentials in both males and females. Methods A critical review of the literature pertaining to the impact of cell phone RF-EMR on reproduction in male and female animals and humans was performed, with a focus on gonad metabolism, apoptosis of reproductive cells, fertility status, and serum reproductive hormones. Results While some animal and human studies revealed alterations in reproductive physiology in both males and females, others did not report any association. The in vitro and in vivo studies to date are highly diverse, very inconsistent in conduct and, in many cases, report different primary outcomes. Conclusion The increasing use of cell phone warrants well-designed studies to ascertain the effect of their RF-EMR on reproduction.