The Shocking Impact of 5G Radiation on Sperm Quality: What You Need to Know

De Schokkende Impact van EMF / 5G-straling op Spermakwaliteit: Wat Je Moet Weten
22
Jul

Based on the study by Sciorio R et al. (2021). Effects of mobile phone radiofrequency radiation on sperm quality.  https://10.1017/S096719942100037X

In recent decades, infertility has become increasingly common, affecting approximately 14% of couples. Many of these couples require medical assistance for reproduction, often involving complex and costly treatments. Advances in IVF have led to over 8 million births worldwide. At the same time, the rapid development of communication technology, particularly 5G, has led to increased exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR or EMF). This raises concerns about the potential impact of 5G radiation on health, especially reproductive health and sperm quality in men.

The Hidden Risks of EMF 

The human body absorbs EMF locally, which can potentially be harmful. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified EMF as a possible human carcinogen due to its association with brain tumors. Other health issues linked to EMF exposure include lymphoma and childhood cancer. There is growing interest in the impact of EMF on male reproductive health. It is believed that EMF can affect biological tissues through thermal effects, increasing testicular temperature and deteriorating sperm quality. Non-thermal effects, such as excessive oxidative stress and ROS production, may also contribute to DNA damage in sperm cells.

What Are the Effects of EMF on Sperm Quality? 

Although EMF is considered non-ionizing radiation, which theoretically cannot ionize atoms or molecules, there is evidence suggesting it may have harmful effects, such as headaches, hypertension, abnormal electroencephalogram patterns, and even infertility. Infertility in men is a significant issue, with about 40% of infertility treatments worldwide related to male factors, many of which have unknown causes. The widespread use of mobile phones emitting EMF adds another layer of concern. Human testicles appear particularly sensitive to EMF. However, literature on the effects of mobile phone use on sperm parameters is mixed, with some studies reporting reduced sperm motility, concentration, and morphology, while others find no significant effects.

How Is EMF Measured? The Role of SAR 

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) measures the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to an electromagnetic field. It is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and measures the EMF energy absorbed over a specific volume of tissue. The SAR value is highest when the long axis of the body is parallel to the RF field vector.

Factors Influencing SAR

Absorption rate is influenced by several factors, including the size of the exposed body part. SAR standards for the head and torso differ from those for limbs, and absorption frequencies vary based on body size and posture. Larger and heavier individuals generally have a lower resonant frequency compared to smaller individuals or children. The intensity, duration of exposure, and the position of the device also affect SAR. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of tissues, which varies throughout the body, affects SAR values. Higher SAR values have been observed when a mobile phone is held close to the head, in a pocket, or near the testicles.

Thermal and Non-Thermal Effects of EMF 

Thermal Effects

EMF can cause thermal effects, where energy absorption leads to an increased tissue temperature. Frequencies above 100 kHz can cause significant energy absorption and temperature rise. Studies have shown that oscillating currents and energy transfer through EMF can induce rapid heating, potentially damaging body tissues. Human testicles are particularly vulnerable to heat, with a specialized thermoregulation system managing heat stress. Increased testicular temperature due to EMF exposure has been associated with reversible damage to spermatogenesis. Elevated scrotal temperature can lead to the loss of germinal tissue and spermatogenic arrest, affecting sperm concentration and quality.

Non-Thermal Effects

Non-thermal effects involve oxidative stress (OS) rather than heat. EMF exposure can lead to excessive ROS production and subsequent OS, causing damage to sperm cells and testicular tissues. OS disrupts the balance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to toxic effects on cells. ROS generation by EMF can increase lipid peroxidation and damage nucleic acids, affecting sperm fertilization potential. Seminal plasma contains antioxidants to protect sperm, but EMF can induce OS by activating NADH oxidase, leading to increased ROS.

Radio Frequency Electromagnetic RadiationSchematic representation of the mechanisms by which RF-EMF exposure might damage the testis.
Figure 1 – Schematic representation of the mechanisms by which RF-EMF exposure might damage the testis.

Impact on Sperm and Testicular Function

ROS from EMF exposure affects sperm motility and viability, with mitochondrial dysfunction being a significant factor. Increased mitochondrial ROS production due to EMF can disrupt sperm motility and increase DNA fragmentation. Studies have linked OS to reduced sperm quality, chromosomal abnormalities, and decreased antioxidant enzyme activity. Antioxidants like melatonin have been studied for their protective role against EMF-induced OS and show potential in reducing oxidative damage and supporting sperm health. This demonstrates the impact of 5G radiation on male sperm quality.

Impact: DNA Damage to Sperm from 5G Radiation

Mobile phones have been identified as a lifestyle factor causing DNA damage due to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Kumar et al. (2014) demonstrated that exposure to 3G mobile phone radiation for 2 hours per day over 2 months caused DNA strand breaks in rat sperm. The authors found a significant increase in sperm DNA damage in the exposed group compared to the control group, with the extent of the effect directly related to the duration and intensity of exposure. Other studies have also reported increased sperm DNA fragmentation and damage due to EMF. Additionally, Nikolova et al. (2005) found that EMF could cause DNA damage and double DNA breaks in neural precursor cells, suggesting similar mechanisms may also occur in sperm cells.

Existing evidence suggests that mobile phone radiation, including 5G radiation, negatively impacts sperm quality, including reduced motility, normal morphology, and viability. These adverse effects seem related to the duration of exposure. While some studies have yielded mixed results, the overall trend indicates a potential risk to male reproductive health.

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Scientific Support / Sources
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