Cellphones give off a low radiation level, which some say could cause issues with female infertility. More research is necessary on this topic, though taking precautions might be a good idea.

Cellphones may cause unintended issues such as “text thumb,” disrupted sleep, and driving hazards, but can they cause female infertility?

Several known factors affect female fertility, such as age, overall health, existing conditions, and certain lifestyle habits. Environmental factors, such as chemical exposures or cancer treatments, might also affect female fertility.

Cellphones could pose some risks to female fertility, but there’s no clear evidence that they do. The topic is controversial, and experts are working to understand it fully.

While a 2020 research review suggested cellphones may affect male fertility, not enough solid evidence exists to show that cellphones alone can affect female fertility. More research is necessary to determine what, if any, role cellphones might play in female infertility.

The concern about cellphones and infertility is that cellphones emit low electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation levels. Many EMF radiation levels exist in nature and everyday technology, such as microwaves, computers, and refrigerators.

Cellphones emit low frequency and low energy, nonionizing radiation. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), This nonionizing radiation isn’t strong enough to damage DNA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nonionizing radiation from cellphones, computer screens, and microwaves in good condition isn’t a risk to fertility or pregnancy.

It’s unclear how and to what extent EMF radiation might affect female reproductive health. More quality studies are necessary to understand whether a true risk of cellphone use exists. The NCI says the current consensus appears to be that cellphones don’t pose a risk to female fertility.

Many factors can affect female fertility. Lifestyle choices, genetics, and your overall health can all play a role. Here are some common risk factors that could affect your fertility:

  • Health conditions: Certain health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or endometriosis, could cause infertility issues.
  • Not ovulating: This is the most common cause of female infertility, affecting up to 40% of women with infertility issues.
  • Age: The availability of eggs in your ovaries decreases with age.
  • Radiation and chemotherapy: Cancer treatment can damage your ovaries.
  • Overweight or underweight: Experiencing these conditions can lead to difficulties with fertility.
  • Substance use: Heavy alcohol or drug use can reduce fertility.
  • Smoking: Smoking may increase your chance of infertility.

You can limit your exposure to cellphone radiation by following these tips:

  • Do not keep your phone in any front pockets.
  • Reduce the amount of time you spend on your phone.
  • Use speaker mode or headphones whenever possible.
  • Consider texting instead of talking, except while driving.
  • Monitor screen time using your smartphone settings.
  • Turn off your cellphone when you’re not using it, such as when you’re sleeping.

If you’re looking for more information or are concerned about your fertility, here are some resources to try:

Can technology cause infertility?

No solid evidence exists that technology can cause infertility in females. Most technology emits low radiation levels, and many experts consider these levels low enough not to cause infertility issues in females.

Do electronics affect fertility?

Some research supports a link between high electronic use and reduced male fertility, but the link between electronic use and fertility issues in females is less clear. Your body insulates your ovaries well, so they’re not as exposed to the higher temperatures some electronics generate.

Cellphones and other electronics emit a low frequency and low energy radiation called EMF. This type of radiation is common in the natural world and minor household appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, and computers.

Some studies show a possible link between cellphone use and female infertility, but their results aren’t consistent. While more research is necessary, experts generally believe the radiation level cellphones emit is too low to cause fertility issues in females.