The mobile 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
Οι ερευνητές του τμήματος ουρολογίας του Ιατρικού Πανεπιστημίου του Γκρατς και του τμήματος ανδρολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου του Καΐρου μελέτησαν 20 άνδρες που παραπονιούνταν για προβλήματα στύσης επί τουλάχιστον έξι μήνες, καθώς και άλλους δέκα άνδρες που δεν είχαν τέτοιο πρόβλημα. Μεταξύ των δύο ομάδων, δεν υπήρχαν σημαντικές διαφορές, όσον αφορά την ηλικία, το βάρος, το κάπνισμα, το επίπεδο της ορμόνης τεστοστερόνης ή την report to other sources of electromagnetic radiation.
The comparative analysis showed that men with erectile dysfunction had open the mobile on their phone an average of 4,4 hours a day, while men without such a problem only had it on for an average of 1,8 hours. The total average time spent talking on a cell phone during the week by men in the first group (17,6 hours) was not much longer than that of the second group (12,5 hours). Therefore, a more substantial difference was in the time that the device remained open. The findings are published in the 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.
