Can extremely low frequency magnetic field affect human sperm parameters and male fertility?

Exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) may have different effects on spermatozoa depending on the waveform, magnetic flux density, frequency of ELF-MF, and duration of exposure. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ELF-MF (50 Hz; 1 mT) exposure in altering sperm parameters. In this study we found that exposure to ELF-MF at the frequency of 50 Hz (1 mT) for two hours induces statistically significant alterations in progressive motility, morphology and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of human spermatozoa, suggesting a role of ELF-MF in altering reproductive function of spermatozoa. Our results represent an important discovery in the field since occupational exposure to the sine waveform 1 mT 50 Hz ELF-MF used in our study is possible in workplace. Moreover, these electromagnetic fields are product by many electronic devices and household appliances. Thus, alterations of progressive motility and morphology of spermatozoa would be important consequences of human exposures to ELF-MF.