Low frequency electromagnetic waves increase human sperm motility – A pilot study revealing the potent effect of 43 kHz radiation

• Authors: Artur Wdowiak , Paweł A. Mazurek , Anita Wdowiak , Iwona Bojar

Abstracts

EN

Objectives Abnormalities in the timing and course of spermatozoa capacitation and hyperactivation underlie common pathologies related to male infertility. Recent data shows that low frequency electromagnetic waves may influence cell membrane potential and permeability. It is therefore possible that low frequency electromagnetic waves could affect the maturation and motility processes of spermatozoa. The 43-kHz wave generator was used for modeling the impact of environmental exposure to low frequency electromagnetic radiation on human sperm. Material and Methods Sperm samples were gathered from 103 fertile, healthy men aged 25–30 years old and performed computer-assisted sperm analysis. After initial examination, each participant’s semen sample was divided into 2 aliquots (control and experimental) and placed in separate automated incubators. The samples constituting the experimental group were placed into the exposure system that emitted 43-kHz electromagnetic waves. Sperm motility was assessed at 3 h, 12 h and 24 h. Results Exposure to a 43-kHz radio frequency increased the percentage of sperm in progressive motility by up to 5.8% and the velocity of said sperm by up to 2 μm/s. Moreover, the total number of hyperactivated spermatozoa was significantly increased in the semen exposed to the electromagnetic signal. Conclusions In vivo environmental exposure to 43-kHz waves may promote the development of infertility related to premature capacitation outside of the vaginal tract. Exposing semen to this particular frequency may also boost the capacitation and hyperactivation of spermatozoa in vitro, prior to conducting assisted reproductive therapies.Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(6):723–739

Keywords

EN

electromagnetic radiation; semen motility; sperm hyperactivation; sperm kinetic variables; metal detecting; infertility

• Publisher: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. dra Jerzego Nofera w Łodzi
• Journal: International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
• Year: 2018
• Volume: 31
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 723-739

Dates

published

2018

Contributors

author

Artur Wdowiak

• Medical University (Collegium Maximum), Lublin, Poland (Faculty of Health Sciences, Diagnostic Techniques Unit)

author

Paweł A. Mazurek

• Lublin University of Technology, Lublin, Poland (Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electrotechnologies)

author

Anita Wdowiak

• Medical University (Collegium Maximum), Lublin, Poland (Faculty of Health Sciences, Diagnostic Techniques Unit)

author

Iwona Bojar

• Institute of Rural Health, Lublin, Poland (Department for Health Problems of Aging)

Identifiers

DOI

10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01262

Biblioteka Nauki

2162024