In recent decades, electronic gadgets have made our lives more convenient and connected than ever before. Yet, along with this new reliance on technology came the anxiety about how it affects our health – and infertility. In this article, I explain the connection between electronic devices and fertility, what’s known about how it might work, and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
Understanding Infertility
For women under 35 years old, infertility is the failure to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse, or six months for those over 35. It strikes roughly 10-15% of couples of reproductive age around the world. Infertility is a microbial disorder whose causes include hormonal imbalances and cellular pathologies, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet and stress. But with the current adoration for technology, many have wondered if these machines – mobile phones, laptops, and other wireless devices – might actually be contributing to this thorny problem.
The Impact of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
The heart of the issue lies electromagnetic fields (EMFs), emitted by devices such as cellphones, tablets and laptop computers. EMFs fall into two categories – ionising radiation, which can damage DNA and trigger cancer, and non-ionising radiation, such as that found in Wi-Fi routers and mobile phones. The majority of infertility studies have turned to the latter.
Some researchers have reported that prolonged exposure to non-ionising radiation can also impact fertility, particularly in men. A major worry is the quality of sperm caused by cellphone radiation. A 2018 review of 29 studies, published in Environmental Research, found that exposure to cell phone radiation increased sperm quality, decreased sperm motility and testosterone levels.
Women’s Health and Electronic Devices
The literature on the subject is almost entirely about male infertility, but researchers are now looking to see whether electronic gadgets can also impact reproductive health among women. In some studies, it was even reported that if we sit on our lap with a laptop or another device for long periods of time, we heat up the ovaries, potentially damaging eggs. Furthermore, prolonged screen time can increase infertility-causing lifestyle patterns, including sedentary habits, poor nutrition, and high stress.
Scientific Research
More recent research has investigated the possible relationship between EMFs and sexual wellbeing. A few of the main concerns are the mobile phone and laptop radiation, particularly when it is being used for prolonged periods of time. Studies have indicated that:
Sperm Health: A study has demonstrated that men who frequently carry their cell phones in their pockets might have decreased sperm movement and quality. Researchers at Duke University reported in 2014 in the journal Nature that men who sat on their phones for long stretches of time, particularly with the phone in their pockets, lacked both concentration and quality of sperm compared with men who kept their phones to a minimum.
Hormonal Interference: EMFs can also disturb hormonal levels that are critical for reproduction. A 2015 article in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology reported that EMF exposure can alter testosterone, the building block of male fertility.
Female Fertility: Although there has been less research into the effects of EMFs on female fertility, some research has suggested that EMF exposure might interfere with ovulation, which can disrupt fertility.
The Need for Further Research
There are studies that link EMFs from electronic gadgets with infertility, but most studies are flawed because of the small sample sizes and confounding factors. Most experts believe that we’d need more in-depth studies to determine causes and how EMFs can affect fertility.
Other Risks of Electronic Device Use
Along with EMF, some of the indirect ways in which electronic devices could be a source of infertility include:
Sedentary Lifestyle
Electronic gadgets ushered in ever more passive lives. Longer sedentary lifestyles can lead to obesity and other chronic health conditions that are a risk factor for infertility. It’s important to live a healthy life, including physical activity and a well-balanced diet for reproductive health.
Stress and Mental Health
Technology also brings on stress, particularly with social media and the overload of information it provides. High levels of stress can affect hormonal regulation and fertility in both men and women. This psychological effect can contribute to infertility, highlighting the subliminal role of electronics.
Sleep Disruption
Excessive screen time (especially just before bed) disrupts sleep due to blue light released from screens that blocks melatonin. Unhealthy sleep is correlated with hormone deficiencies and fertility problems. Establishing good sleep hygiene is essential to reproductive health.
Recommendations for Reducing Risks
Because of this potential link between electronic products and fertility, there are a few preventative measures that can be taken to keep risks to a minimum.
Restrict Exposure: As much as possible, avoid exposing yourself to electronics, especially when you use your mobile phone directly on your body. Use hands-free or speakerphone modes to reduce your direct interaction with the phone.
Tech-No Zones: Create tech-free zones in the home, particularly the bedroom. It also improves sleep quality and general health.
Live Well: Eat well, Exercise Regularly, and Get Enough Sleep To Maintain Good Health and Reproductive Health.
Reduce Stress: Mindfulness-based exercises like meditation, yoga or deep-breathing can help reduce stress levels and contribute to reproductive health.
Be On the Lookout: Keep up to date with research about technology usage and reproductive health as the field develops.
Conclusion:
Though research on the connection between electronic gadgets and infertility is ongoing, there is evidence that suggests a possible link. As our dependence on these technologies increases, it’s important to keep an eye on their potential effects on reproductive health. Through proper habits and avoiding EMF exposure, people can protect their fertility by making smart choices. Considering the changing shape of the digital world, continued research on how this affects our health will be essential to our understanding and survival in the connected world.
