Short-Term Effects of Cell Phone Radiation on Fertility and Testosterone Hormone in Male Rats

Aim: Given the increasing usage of cell phones (6.9 billion subscriptions globally) and heterogeneous reports, this study aimed to determine the cell phone effect as non-ionizing radiation on the level of testosterone hormone and sperm parameters in male rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-five matured male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to five groups with the same body weights. Radiofrequency radiation for the exposed groups was 1 h/day call, 2 h/day call, and 50 missed calls/day in 30 days. The other two groups were control (out of any radiation) and positive control (exposed to γ-radiation) groups. Sperm parameters (motility, morphology, viability, counting), histopathology, and serum level of testosterone were measured and analyzed. Results: According to the results, the sperm viability significantly decreased compared to the control group (p<0.001). Also, the findings revealed that the sperm motility in all groups except missed call group (p=0.475). For sperm count and morphology only in Group C (2 h/day call) and Group D (positive control), there were significant reductions compared to the control group (p<0.001). The level of testosterone was not statistically significantly different between the groups (p=0.451). Conclusion: This study suggests that cell phone hazard to infertility was mild to moderate, and cell phone usage might have long-term effects on infertility. However, the cell phone cannot significantly affect the serum testosterone level.