What Is Harmful for Male Fertility: Cell Phone or the Wireless Internet?

Male fertility is increasingly under threat from many angles—diet, stress, environmental toxins—and one of the more modern concerns is exposure to wireless technology. With mobile phones, tablets, laptops, Wi‑Fi routers, Bluetooth devices and now 5G becoming part of daily life, questions naturally arise about whether and how they might affect sperm health, hormone balance, and overall male reproductive potential. For many couples considering fertility services—such as those provided by MOM Fertility Clinic through CarefulTrip—having clear, science-based guidance in this area is essential.

While some laboratory and animal studies suggest that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from phones and routers, plus heat from devices resting on the body, may damage sperm motility, count, or DNA, human evidence remains inconsistent. Differences in study design, exposure duration, frequency, distance/proximity, and individual vulnerability complicate conclusions. In this article, we review the best recent research (2024–2025) to answer: which technologies pose real risks? What remains speculative? And, importantly, what practical actions can men take now to protect their fertility?

Is Wi-Fi Bad for Fertility?

Several studies have examined the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR), such as that emitted by Wi-Fi routers, on sperm health. In vitro experiments frequently show that Wi-Fi exposure may reduce sperm motility and viability and increase DNA fragmentation. For example, researchers found that semen samples exposed to Wi-Fi experienced statistically significant declines in motility compared to unexposed samples (Kavoussi et al., 2024).

Other studies have reported increased oxidative stress and damage to sperm DNA from prolonged exposure to Wi-Fi signals (Kesari et al., 2018). However, many of these studies are conducted in laboratory conditions, outside the human body. The direct implications for male fertility remain debated due to inconsistent exposure levels, durations, and proximity variables. Nonetheless, minimizing close-range exposure—like not sitting near routers or placing laptops on your lap—is a cautious and reasonable strategy.

Can Screen Time Affect Fertility?

Screen time primarily influences male fertility through indirect mechanisms. Excessive screen exposure, particularly at night, disrupts circadian rhythms and suppresses melatonin production, potentially impacting testosterone regulation. Additionally, prolonged screen sessions often result in sedentary behavior, leading to obesity—a well-known risk factor for poor sperm quality.

Devices such as laptops and tablets also emit heat, which can raise the temperature of the testes when used on the lap. Because sperm production is highly temperature-sensitive, even slight elevations in testicular temperature can impair spermatogenesis. Some observational studies have linked high screen time with lower semen quality, though a direct causal link remains difficult to establish (Rahban et al., 2023).

Does Technology Affect Fertility?

Technology impacts male fertility through several mechanisms, including EMR, heat exposure, and lifestyle changes. Mobile phones have been the most extensively studied. Multiple studies suggest that carrying a mobile phone in your front pants pocket correlates with reduced sperm motility, viability, and morphology (Okechukwu et al., 2020). The proximity of the device increases exposure to RF-EMR and localized heat, both of which may contribute to sperm quality decline.

Cumulative exposure from laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and other EMR-emitting devices also plays a role. Oxidative stress resulting from EMR may disrupt sperm membranes and cause DNA fragmentation (Kesari et al., 2018). Though more human clinical data is needed, this evidence supports safer technology habits, particularly for men planning to undergo fertility treatment.

Can Bluetooth Affect Fertility?

Bluetooth devices emit lower-power RF-EMR compared to Wi-Fi and mobile phones. These signals are typically intermittent and operate at very low intensity. As such, very few studies have directly examined Bluetooth’s effects on male fertility. A systematic review concluded that Bluetooth alone poses a minimal risk, especially when compared to mobile phones and laptops (Maluin et al., 2021).

Interestingly, using Bluetooth headsets or hands-free accessories may actually reduce total exposure by allowing users to keep phones away from their bodies. However, if phones remain close to the groin—say in a pocket—while Bluetooth is used, cumulative radiation exposure could still be relevant.

Does Wi-Fi Affect Hormones?

There is growing interest in whether RF-EMR impacts hormone levels essential for male fertility. Animal studies have found that prolonged exposure to Wi-Fi can lower testosterone levels and disrupt the function of Leydig and Sertoli cells in the testes. Disturbances in these cells can disrupt sperm production at the hormonal level.

In human studies, the evidence is mixed. Some trials report minor hormonal changes in men with higher EMR exposure, while others find no statistically significant effects. While not yet conclusive, these findings suggest that men with borderline hormonal issues may benefit from reducing EMR exposure during the fertility optimization phase.

Does 5G Affect Fertility?

The arrival of 5G technology has introduced newer concerns due to its use of higher-frequency millimeter waves. These waves have a different biological interaction compared to older 3G and 4G technologies. However, existing research does not yet show that 5G is more dangerous to sperm health. In fact, a comparative study found 5G had a lesser effect on sperm motility than Wi-Fi (Kavoussi et al., 2024).

Nevertheless, because 5G is still new, long-term human data are not yet available. Until more studies emerge, fertility-conscious men may wish to limit extended proximity to 5G-enabled devices when not in use, as a precautionary measure.

Summary of Evidence

Current scientific evidence paints a mixed picture, but caution is advisable. Key insights include:

• Wi-Fi can impair sperm motility and increase DNA damage under certain lab conditions.
• Mobile phones kept near the groin are linked to lower sperm count and viability.
• Screen time may affect fertility via heat exposure and sedentary behavior.
• Bluetooth has not shown strong evidence of harm but may contribute to cumulative exposure.
• 5G effects remain under-researched, but early data suggests it’s less harmful than Wi-Fi.
• Hormonal shifts from EMR exposure are plausible but not consistently demonstrated in humans.

Recommendations for Protecting Male Fertility

Men planning to conceive—especially those engaging in fertility treatments at clinics like MOM Fertility Clinic—should consider adopting the following practices:

1. Avoid keeping phones in front pants pockets.
2. Use Bluetooth or speakerphone to reduce body contact.
3. Keep laptops and tablets off your lap.
4. Limit nighttime screen use to support hormonal rhythms.
5. Maintain a distance from routers or other EMR sources when sleeping or working.
6. Use wired internet where possible for long sessions.
7. Focus on a healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, regular exercise, and sleep hygiene to counterbalance tech-related stress.

Conclusion

Wireless technology is deeply embedded in modern life, but its impact on male fertility—while not fully confirmed—raises valid concerns. Multiple studies point to possible adverse effects of prolonged EMR exposure on sperm health and hormone regulation, mainly when devices are used close to the reproductive area.

Until science catches up with technology, the safest route for men hoping to conceive is to reduce unnecessary exposure, practice tech hygiene, and adopt lifestyle changes that support reproductive health. Clinics like MOM Fertility Clinic can offer tailored guidance for those navigating both infertility and the digital world.

References

1. Maluin SM et al. (2021). Effect of Radiation Emitted by Wireless Devices on Male Reproductive Hormones. Frontiers in Physiology.
2. Kavoussi PK et al. (2024). Do Mobile Phones and Laptop Computers Really Impact Fertility? Asian Journal of Andrology.
3. Kesari K et al. (2018). Radiations and Male Fertility: A Review. International Journal of Environmental Research.
4. Darvish L et al. (2022). Impact of Radiofrequency Waves on Male Infertility. Surgical and Experimental Medical Journal.
5. Okechukwu CE et al. (2020). Does the Use of Mobile Phones Affect Male Fertility? Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences.