Epidemiological study (observational study)

Combined effects of varicocele and cell phones on semen and hormonal parameters epidem.

By: Schauer I, Mohamad Al-Ali B

Published in: Wien Klin Wochenschr 2018; 130 (9-10): 335-340

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The possible combined effect of varicocele and mobile phone storage in trouser pockets on sperm and hormonal parameters was investigated in a retrospective study.

Further details

Varicocele is a varicose condition of veins in the scrotum and can lead to infertility.
Semen quality was assessed using four parameters (sperm motility, concentration and morphology) according to the criteria of the World Health Organization of 1999.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

reproductive effects and pregnancy outcomes: sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels

Exposure

- mobile communications
- mobile phone
- analog mobile phone
- digital mobile phone

Assessment

questionnaire: mobile phone use, storage in trouser pockets

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Reference group 1	mobile phone use: no
Group 2	mobile phone use: yes, storage in trouser pocket

Population

Group:
- men
Characteristics: men with varicocele attending an infertility clinic
Observation period: 1993 - 2007
Study location: Austria (Vienna)
Exclusion criteria: > 60 g alcohol intake per day, systemic diseases, previous history of orchitis, mobile phone users not keeping their mobile phone in the trouser pockets

Study size

Type	Value
Evaluable	468

Statistical analysis method:

MANOVA

Results (acc. to author)

Men with mobile phone storage in trouser pockets compared with non-users showed a higher percentage of pathologic sperm morphology and reduced luteinizing hormone level. No combined effect of varicocele and mobile phone storage in trouser pocket was observed.

Limitations (acc. to author)

Data on amount of time of mobile phone use and storage in the trouser pockets were not available, thus exposure assessment is very imprecise.

Study funded by

not stated/no funding

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