The effects of radiofrequency radiation on male reproductive health and potential mechanisms (Review)

Abstract

Category: Reproductive Health, Electromagnetic Biology Tags: radiofrequency radiation, male reproductive health, sperm quality, oxidative stress, DNA damage, reproductive hormones, occupational exposure DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2025.2480664 URL: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Overview Recent studies have demonstrated that radiofrequency (RF) radiation emanating from devices such as mobile phones and Wi-Fi may have adverse effects on male reproductive health. This radiation can elevate testicular temperature, potentially compromising sperm quality and DNA integrity, and influence the specific absorption rate (SAR) across different body regions, leading to detrimental reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, exposure to RF radiation has been linked to conditions that could affect male reproductive function, such as oxidative stress, alterations in ion transitions across cell membranes, and inflammation. This article reviews research conducted on both humans and animal models regarding the effects of electromagnetic radiation on sperm quality, DNA damage, oxidative stress, hormone levels, and testicular function, suggesting that exposure to electromagnetic radiation could have harmful implications for male reproductive health. However, further research is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms and implications of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on male infertility. Findings - Exposure to RF radiation can result in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, and negative impacts on fertility factors. - Findings consistently indicate a connection between RF exposure and decreased sperm quality, mobility, vitality, and increased DNA fragmentation. - RF radiation may cause hormonal imbalances, changes in testicular morphology, and reduced sperm count and organ weight. - Prolonged wireless device use is associated with abnormalities in sperm structure and testicular tissue. - Occupational RF exposure poses complex risks, influenced by exposure duration, RF equipment, and individual susceptibility. The evidence supports a multifactorial impact of RF radiation, with stronger effects seen with increased exposure duration and intensity, highlighting the importance of limiting exposure, especially near the pelvic region. Conclusion RF radiation exposure is associated with negative effects on spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and testicular function through both thermal (temperature elevation) and non-thermal (oxidative stress, inflammation, ionic dysregulation) mechanisms. Although there are inconsistencies across studies, the overall literature points to a harmful connection between RF radiation and male reproductive health. Standardized protocols and long-term studies are needed to clarify dose-response relationships and protective strategies. Public health guidelines and current regulatory standards should be revisited to ensure appropriate reproductive health protection, especially as wireless technology use is widespread.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

The review summarizes human and animal research suggesting RF radiation exposure (e.g., from mobile phones and Wi‑Fi) is associated with decreased sperm quality (including motility and vitality) and increased DNA damage/fragmentation, alongside increased oxidative stress (ROS). It also describes reported hormonal changes and testicular morphology/function effects, with stronger effects noted with greater exposure duration/intensity, while acknowledging inconsistencies across studies.

Outcomes measured

• sperm quality
• sperm motility
• sperm vitality
• DNA fragmentation/DNA damage
• oxidative stress (ROS)
• reproductive hormones/hormone levels
• testicular function
• testicular morphology
• sperm count
• organ weight
• inflammation
• cell membrane ion transitions/ionic dysregulation
• testicular temperature (thermal effects)

Limitations

• Review article; underlying study designs and quality not described in the abstract
• Frequency, SAR, and detailed exposure characterization not provided in the abstract
• Inconsistencies across included studies noted
• Calls for standardized protocols and long-term studies indicate uncertainty about dose-response and mechanisms

Suggested hubs

• occupational-exposure (0.62)
  Abstract explicitly discusses occupational RF exposure and related risk complexity.

{
    "study_type": "review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "mobile phone, Wi‑Fi, occupational RF equipment",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "prolonged wireless device use; exposure duration noted as influential"
    },
    "population": "Humans and animal models (reviewed studies)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "sperm quality",
        "sperm motility",
        "sperm vitality",
        "DNA fragmentation/DNA damage",
        "oxidative stress (ROS)",
        "reproductive hormones/hormone levels",
        "testicular function",
        "testicular morphology",
        "sperm count",
        "organ weight",
        "inflammation",
        "cell membrane ion transitions/ionic dysregulation",
        "testicular temperature (thermal effects)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "The review summarizes human and animal research suggesting RF radiation exposure (e.g., from mobile phones and Wi‑Fi) is associated with decreased sperm quality (including motility and vitality) and increased DNA damage/fragmentation, alongside increased oxidative stress (ROS). It also describes reported hormonal changes and testicular morphology/function effects, with stronger effects noted with greater exposure duration/intensity, while acknowledging inconsistencies across studies.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Review article; underlying study designs and quality not described in the abstract",
        "Frequency, SAR, and detailed exposure characterization not provided in the abstract",
        "Inconsistencies across included studies noted",
        "Calls for standardized protocols and long-term studies indicate uncertainty about dose-response and mechanisms"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency radiation",
        "male reproductive health",
        "sperm quality",
        "DNA damage",
        "DNA fragmentation",
        "oxidative stress",
        "ROS",
        "reproductive hormones",
        "testicular function",
        "mobile phones",
        "Wi-Fi",
        "occupational exposure",
        "thermal effects",
        "non-thermal mechanisms",
        "inflammation"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "occupational-exposure",
            "weight": 0.61999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Abstract explicitly discusses occupational RF exposure and related risk complexity."
        }
    ]
}

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