Influence of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on spermatogenesis and sperm function in rodent models: A systematic review

Abstract

Infertility is increasing worldwide and has been associated with several lifestyle and environmental exposures, including radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). Because digital devices are often carried close to the body, possible effects on male reproduction remain a public health concern. This systematic review addressed the PECO question: how does RF-EMR exposure affect male fertility in rodent models? Studies published up to December 2025 were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and Scopus (PROSPERO: CRD42023417536). From 4220 records, screening and updated searches yielded 88 eligible studies. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using SYRCLE's Risk of Bias tool. Included studies used multiple rat and mouse strains exposed to 800-24,000 MHz RF-EMR, with reported specific absorption rates of 0.014-34 W/kg. Exposure durations varied and were mainly subchronic. Evaluated outcomes included sperm parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, apoptosis, testicular histopathology, and hormonal indices. Oxidative and reproductive alterations were reported in subsets of studies; however, findings were heterogeneous and limited by uncertainties in allocation, housing, blinding, dosimetry, and outcome assessment. Current evidence suggests biologically plausible signals but does not support a uniform causal interpretation. Standardized, well-controlled studies are needed with comprehensive, clearly defined reproductive and fertility endpoints.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This systematic review included 88 rodent studies of RF-EMR exposure, with frequencies ranging from 800 to 24,000 MHz and reported SARs from 0.014 to 34 W/kg. Oxidative and reproductive alterations were reported in subsets of studies, but findings were heterogeneous and limited by methodological and dosimetric uncertainties. The authors concluded that current evidence suggests biologically plausible signals but does not support a uniform causal interpretation.

Outcomes measured

• sperm parameters
• oxidative stress biomarkers
• lipid peroxidation
• DNA damage
• apoptosis
• testicular histopathology
• hormonal indices
• male fertility

Limitations

• Heterogeneous findings across studies
• Uncertainties in allocation
• Uncertainties in housing conditions
• Uncertainties in blinding
• Uncertainties in dosimetry
• Uncertainties in outcome assessment
• Need for standardized, well-controlled studies with clearly defined reproductive and fertility endpoints

{
    "study_type": "systematic_review",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "RF",
        "source": "digital devices",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "varied; mainly subchronic"
    },
    "population": "Rodent models including multiple rat and mouse strains",
    "sample_size": 88,
    "outcomes": [
        "sperm parameters",
        "oxidative stress biomarkers",
        "lipid peroxidation",
        "DNA damage",
        "apoptosis",
        "testicular histopathology",
        "hormonal indices",
        "male fertility"
    ],
    "main_findings": "This systematic review included 88 rodent studies of RF-EMR exposure, with frequencies ranging from 800 to 24,000 MHz and reported SARs from 0.014 to 34 W/kg. Oxidative and reproductive alterations were reported in subsets of studies, but findings were heterogeneous and limited by methodological and dosimetric uncertainties. The authors concluded that current evidence suggests biologically plausible signals but does not support a uniform causal interpretation.",
    "effect_direction": "mixed",
    "limitations": [
        "Heterogeneous findings across studies",
        "Uncertainties in allocation",
        "Uncertainties in housing conditions",
        "Uncertainties in blinding",
        "Uncertainties in dosimetry",
        "Uncertainties in outcome assessment",
        "Need for standardized, well-controlled studies with clearly defined reproductive and fertility endpoints"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.88000000000000000444089209850062616169452667236328125,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation",
        "RF-EMR",
        "spermatogenesis",
        "sperm function",
        "male fertility",
        "rodent models",
        "systematic review",
        "oxidative stress",
        "DNA damage",
        "apoptosis",
        "testicular histopathology",
        "SAR"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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