THE list of lifestyle factors accused of damaging men鈥檚 fertility is a long one. There is no doubt about the harm done to sperm by smoking. Stress plays a role too. But for many factors, such as cycling, wearing tight underwear or sitting at a desk all day, the evidence is weak or contradictory.
So what are we to make of reports that the prolonged use of cellphones dramatically reduces sperm counts and sperm motility? This claim, based on a survey of 221 men in Hungary, hit the headlines this week.
Since there is no solid evidence that normal levels of phone radiation have any damaging effects on living bodies, the results are surprising, to say the least. What is most extraordinary is that the researchers seem to have made no attempt to allow for other lifestyle factors. Could this study simply be telling us is that regular mobile phone users have stressful lives or are more likely to smoke?
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In fact, several animal studies have found that phone radiation has no effect on the testes at all. Even when rats have been exposed to such strong microwave radiation that it warmed up their bodies there have still been no signs of damage.
So if you want to be a father, stop smoking and take it easy. Perhaps consider getting off your bike if you want to be ultra-cautious. But hang on to your mobile phone. When the nine months are up, you might need it.