Millions of men, especially young men, keep their cell phones in their trouser pockets for hours every day. A new study (Meta-analysis) published on March 19, 2025 in the journal “Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine” by Turkish researchers Bektas and Dasdag serves as a reminder of the potential risks of this habit on male fertility. This research, based on an analysis of 90 scientific articles, reinforces the concerns raised by Phonegate Alert.
This new study comes as the scientific community notes a considerable decline in male fertility over the last 30 years. Research shows that sperm quantity and quality have declined by around 50% since the early 1970s.
Fertility and Thermal effects linked to SAR
The study confirms the thermal risks (heating) associated with RF exposure:
- Increased testicular temperature, which can compromise sperm quality and DNA integrity.
- Disruption of spermatogenesis due to increased local temperature.
Fertility and Non-thermal effects
The study highlights several non-thermal effects of concern:
- Oxidative stress: Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage sperm DNA.
- Cellular alterations: Changes in ionic transitions across cell membranes and induction of inflammatory processes.
- Hormonal imbalances: Changes in male reproductive hormone levels.
- Impacts on testicular morphology: Alterations in seminiferous tubule shape and epithelial cell abnormalities observed in RF-exposed rats.
- Effects on sperm quality: Decreased sperm motility and vitality, increased DNA fragmentation.
Phonegate and converging studies on male infertility
As Dr. Marc Arazi, President of Phonegate Alert, points out,
“this new study confirms the concerns that many researchers have been raising for years about the effects of radio frequencies on male fertility. It adds to a body of converging studies showing a deleterious impact of radiofrequencies on reproduction. This is all the more worrying for public health as no cell phone marketed in France, Europe or internationally protects users from acute and chronic overexposure to RF waves.”
In view of these converging results from the authors of the Bektas and Dasdag study, our NGO recommends :
- Limit the use of cell phones in contact with the body to reduce the risk of male infertility.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to RF emissions from wireless technologies.
- Review current regulatory standards to better protect reproductive health.
For Pierre-Marie Théveniaud, a biologist and member of Phonegate Alert:
“This study highlights the fact that the effects of radiofrequencies on male reproductive health are not limited, as in other cases, to thermal effects alone, but involve complex biological mechanisms at exposure levels below current regulatory limits. These findings reinforce the relevance of the warnings issued by Phonegate Alert concerning the health risks associated with radiofrequencies, and the need for stricter regulations incorporating non-thermal effects.”
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