The cell phones phones may be related to erectile dysfunction in men, according to a new small pilot study by Austrian and Egyptian scientists, the worrying findings of which - before everyone panicked - will have to be confirmed by a future larger study.
The complaints
Researchers at the Department of Urology at the Graz Medical School and the Department of Andrology at Cairo University studied 20 men who complained of erection problems for at least six months, as well as ten other men who did not have such a problem. Between the two groups, there were no significant differences in age, weight, smoking, testosterone hormone level or exposure to other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The comparative analysis showed that men with erectile dysfunction had their mobile phones on for an average of 4,4 hours a day, while men without erectile dysfunction had their phones on for an average of only 1,8 hours. The total average time spent talking on the cell phone during the weekteamς οι άνδρες της πρώτης ομάδας (17,6 ώρες) δεν ήταν πολύ μεγαλύτερος από της δεύτερης (12,5 ώρες). Συνεπώς πιο ουσιαστική ήταν διαφοροποίηση στο χρόνο που η συσκευή έμενε ανοιχτή. Τα ευρήματα δημοσιεύονται στην επιθεώρηση «Central European Journal of Urology'.
The conclusion
Researchers have concluded that it is possible to have a relationship between mobilization time and cell use and erectile function, but have emphasized that only larger research can result in a definitive conclusion (so do not throw away your new device!).
Mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation to radio frequencies. The effects on health from electromagnetic waves are under investigation by scientists, with some studies showing an increased risk of carcinogenicity in cases of heavy use of cell phones, especially when they are very close to the head. Few studies have shown potential side effects in male reproductive capacity, affecting the quality of the sperm.
Erectile dysfunction, according to the researchers, is very common and can occur in 50% of men over 40 years. Factors that may adversely affect smooth erectile function are diabetes, hypertension, obesity and high cholesterol. New research shows that mobile phones may have to be included in these risk factors.
