Smartphones are an integral part of everyday life. In between work emails, social media, and messaging apps, we’re all spending hours on our phones, often without realizing it. If you’re planning a family, who may have heard conflicting advice about mobile use and fertility. Some studies have raised concerns, while other researchers note that there is still no conclusive data. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the science and what it means for men hoping to start a family.
The link between smartphones and male fertility
The main concerns surrounding smartphone use and male fertility revolve around two potential factors: radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) and heat.
Smartphones emit low level RF-EMF. This radiation is highest when downloading large files and lowest when texting. A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that media sperm concentration was higher among men who used their phones less. However, the difference became less pronounced as mobile phones evolved from 2G to 4G technology.
Sperm production is sensitive to temperature. Your testes need to stay cooler than your internal body temperature to produce healthy sperm. Frequent use of laptops and storing phones in your pocket can raise the temperature in the groin area, potentially harming sperm quality. While this could be a possibility, this specific study did not find a connection between carrying phones in pants pockets and lower sperm parameters.
Should you be worried?
Research on mobile phone use is still ongoing. James M. Hotaling, MD, MS, an expert in male fertility and andrology at University of Utah Health notes that while research shows that mobile phone use can affect sperm quality, it’s not conclusive. He suggests that rather than focusing on mobile phone use, it’s more important to look at other modifiable factors, such as diet and exercise.
That said, if you’re concerned about your sperm health, it might be worth taking some steps to minimize risk:
-
Avoid carrying your phone in your front pocket
Keep your phone in a bag or on a desk instead of directly against your body. This can reduce both radiation exposure and heat.
-
Use hands-free devices
Putting your phone on speaker mode, using a headset or a Bluetooth device can minimize the time your phone spends near your body.
-
Take screen breaks
Give yourself a break from prolonged phone and tech use. There are plenty of apps to help you control your screen time.
-
Be mindful of other lifestyle factors
Male fertility is influenced by multiple factors, not just phone use. Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, all of which can improve sperm quality.
-
Check in on your swimmers
If you’d like to monitor your sperm health, you can use an At-Home sperm test. The YO Home Sperm Test provides you with information on your motile sperm concentration which you can then share with your doctor.
Key Takeaway
There’s no definitive evidence linking smartphone use to male fertility issues, but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious. By making a few easy changes, such as reducing the time your phone spends in your pocket, you can potentially lower any risks to your reproductive health.
