Does radiation from wireless devices harm sperm?

Numerous studies — including experimental research, epidemiological studies, and in vitro (cell) and in vivo (animal) studies — have established that radiation emitted from wireless devices harms sperm. The proven harm includes:

  • reduced sperm counts
  • reduced motility
  • reduced viability
  • reduced concentration

Wireless radiation also changes sperm structure and causes irreparable damage to its DNA. These studies have been confirmed by data collected from around the world.

Data presented presented in the 2013 conference of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology showed that, over the past 15 years, the sperm count of men aged 18 to 25 has dropped significantly. In Israel, for example, there is a 40% decrease of sperm quality in the past 10 years; 25% of couples are in fertility clinics.

Habits of cell phone usage and sperm quality – does it warrant attention?” is a recent study from 2016 conducted on 106 males by the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (the Israeli equivalent of MIT) and Carmel Medical Center. The study found that 47% of men who stored their cell phones in their pants had abnormal sperm, compared to just 11% for the average male.

Additional studies and study summaries that indicate that wireless radiation harms the sperm and reproductive organs can be found in the Bio-Initiative Report which is the most comprehensive review of scientific studies on the harms of radiation emitted by wireless devices and technology. In regard to wireless radiation effects on sperm and reproductive organs, the report concludes:

“Human sperm are damaged by cell phone radiation at very low intensities…Studies of human sperm show genetic (DNA) damage from cell phones on standby mode and wireless laptop use. Impaired sperm quality, motility and viability occur at exposures of 0.00034 µW/cm2 to 0.07µW/cm2
“, i.e., the radiation is causing damage to the sperm in levels which are millions time lower than the alleged “safety” standard of the US FCC and the WHO.”

Can the harm to sperm be reversed?

While studies have shown that sperm can recuperate if allowed months of reduced exposure, the damage done to the sperm’s DNA can not be reversed. As the authors of the Bio-Initiaive Report explain, “Sperm lack the ability to repair DNA damage.”

Is there evidence of harm to the reproductive system of women?

There is also evidence of harm to the female reproductive system, but the evidence is not as strong as that for sperm.

However, as thousands of studies have proved beyond doubt that exposure to radiation emitted from wireless devices harms many organs and systems in the body, it is likely it also affects the eggs and the reproductive organs of the female. Further, animal studies have shown that severe biological harm can occur as a result of exposing the fetus to radiation. For example, Hugh Taylor, MD, Yale University professor and chair of its Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences department, established in his research that fetal exposure to wireless radiation affects neurodevelopment and behavior and may cause ADHD. To watch his presentation on the findings of his study watch the video below.

ADHD symptoms seen in mice exposed to cell phone radiation - Hugh Taylor, MD, Yale University