The modern lifestyle, characterized by environmental exposures, sedentary habits, and dietary choices, has been increasingly implicated in the decline of sperm counts and the rising prevalence of male infertility. Factors such as exposure to pollutants, unhealthy diets, and stress contribute to oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances, adversely affecting sperm production and quality.
Understanding these intricate connections between contemporary living and male fertility is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the impact and enhance reproductive health.
Mobile Phone Use Linked to Sperm Quality
As per the World Health Organization, one in six individuals globally may face infertility, with approximately 50% of cases attributed to male factors. Over the past 50 years in industrialized countries, sperm concentration has seen a decline from around 100 million sperm per milliliter to about 50 million sperm per milliliter.
A recent study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility on October 31 investigated the link between sperm quality and mobile phone usage in 2,886 young men aged 18 to 22 in Switzerland between 2005 and 2018.
The findings revealed that men who used their phones more frequently, especially over 20 times a day, had a higher likelihood of lower sperm concentration compared to those using phones infrequently. Despite the increased risk, even frequent users still had median sperm concentrations twice as high as WHO's reference value for infertility.
The primary concern associated with mobile phone use is the emission of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Researchers explained that there are two hypotheses regarding how EMR exposure from mobile phones might impact semen quality.
One hypothesis suggests a direct effect due to a slight increase in testicle temperature when the phone is placed in a pocket, but the study did not find an association between low semen quality and phone placement in pockets, making this effect less probable.
The second hypothesis is indirect exposure, suggesting that mobile phone radiation affects semen quality through the hypothalamic-pituitary glands in the brain that regulate testicular function. The study found that 85% of men reported placing their phones in their pant pockets, prompting further investigations into the potential impact on sperm concentrations. Notably, unfavorable sperm counts were more strongly associated with mobile phone use at the study's start (2005-2007) than at the end, suggesting a link to the transition from 2G to 3G and 4G technologies, where 4G improvements included faster data transfer speeds and reduced radiation exposure.
Air Pollution, Insecticides Linked to Low Sperm Concentrations
Even if one avoids modern technology, there are alternative factors that can impact sperm count, and environmental pollution is a notable concern. Air pollution, as identified in a 2017 study, has been shown to influence sperm size and shape, affecting sperm quality and motility.
The scope of pollution extends beyond smoggy air, as a recent study in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, led by Melissa Perry and her colleagues, analyzed 25 studies spanning the last 50 years, establishing a clear link between insecticide exposure and low sperm concentrations in adult men.
Exposure to insecticides can occur through various routes, including food consumption, contaminated water sources, occupational exposure, and residential pest control at home.
Despite the option of choosing organic produce, Perry emphasized the pervasive use of insecticides and pesticides, making complete avoidance challenging. However, the silver lining is that low sperm counts resulting from environmental factors can often be remedied.
Sperm production occurs continuously in the testicles every 10 weeks, allowing for frequent renewal of sperm storage. This means that individuals trying to conceive, who recognize their unhealthy lifestyle habits, can take proactive measures, and in many cases, the adverse effects on sperm counts are reversible.
RELATED ARTICLE: Male Fertility: Increased Chemical Exposure, Lifestyle Changes Cause Sperm Quality in the US to Decline
Check out more news and information on Male Fertility in Science Times.
