0029 Light Emitted from Media Devices at Night is Associated with Decline in Sperm Quality

Abstract

Introduction

The last several decades have been characterized by the widespread usage of digital devices, especially smartphones. At the same time, there have been reports of male fertility decline. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between evening exposure to the light-emitting screens of digital media devices and sperm quality.

Methods

Semen samples were obtained from 116 men adults aged between 21 and 59 (35.2 ±7.2) undergoing fertility evaluation for the following sperm variables: volume (mL), pH, sperm concentration (n/mL), motility percentage (progressive% + non-progressive motility%) and total sperm count. Exposure to the screens of electronic devices and sleep habits were obtained by means of a questionnaire.

Results

Smartphone and tablet usage in the evening and after bedtime was negatively correlated (p<0.05) with sperm motility, sperm progressive motility, and sperm concentration, and positively correlated with the percentage of immotile sperm. In addition, sleep duration was positively correlated with sperm total and progressive motility and negatively correlated with semen pH (p<0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between subjective sleepiness and total and progressive motility as well as total motile sperm number (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed a link between evening and post-bedtime exposure to light-emitting digital media screens and sperm quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report these types of correlations between sperm quality and exposure time to SWL emitted from digital media, especially smartphones and tablets, in the evening and after bedtime.

Support

No Support