Phone in pants pocket, laptop on lap may affect sperm count: Calcutta University study
Times of India | 6 August 2025
KOLKATA: A study conducted jointly by Genetics Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Calcutta University, and the Institute of Reproductive Medicine Kolkata has claimed that working long hours with laptops on your lap or keeping cellphones in trouser pockets could raise the risk of infertility due to electromagnetic radiation exposure. The study was conducted on 1,200 men aged between 20 and 40.
Multiple similar studies conducted worldwide, however, have said there is no conclusive evidence that cellphone radiation is linked to infertility. One by University of Utah, USA, said sperm count can change from hour to hour, day to day, and month to month. "To truly achieve a representative sample, men's sperm quality would need to be monitored for a long time," it said and added that "despite similar research on this topic that states long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation associated with mobile phones can negatively affect sperm quality, this research is not conclusive".
The purpose of the CU study was to investigate the combined effect of certain genetic variations and electronic radiation exposure on sperm count. The analysis revealed a significant association between radiation exposure and increased risk of azoospermia (absence of sperms) in genetically susceptible individuals, specifically those below 30.'Those under 30 with specific genetic mutations vulnerable' We collected 1,200 samples to analyse infertility rates among men in Bengal. The study focused on their lifestyle, workplace risk factors, food habits as well as addictions. Data showed that several of them store mobile phones in their trouser pockets for over five hours or work for hours with laptops placed on their laps," said associate professor of zoology Sujay Ghosh, who led the research team. "Statistical analysis, molecular techniques, and genetic analysis were conducted simultaneously to reach the actual outcome. The results indicated that those who silently carry certain genetic mutations show infertility risk factors at least 10 times higher than those who do not carry these variants," he added.
Senior scientist Samudra Pal said, "We found that genetic predisposition, combined with electromagnetic radiation from devices like mobiles and laptops, significantly increases the risk of infertility. Individuals under 30 with specific genetic mutations are particularly vulnerable. The prolonged use of electronic devices, especially for long hours daily and kept in close proximity to reproductive organs, can be particularly harmful.
"Ghosh suggested that the information may be considered in routine screening of assisted reproductive technology (ART) practices, which will enable clinicians to tailor management strategies for male infertility.