Some people believe that placing a mobile phone in the front pocket of their pants may negatively affect men's sexual health and may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction. How true are these claims? In the following report, we review in Dalili Medical the risks of using a mobile phone on men's sexual health, according to our website.

**What are the risks of a mobile phone?**

 

Mobile phones emit radio frequency energy, a type of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues near the phone when used. The amount of radio frequencies that a phone user is exposed to is affected by several factors, such as the type of phone, the distance between the phone and the user, the extent of use of the phone, and the distance between the user and cell phone towers. The following is a summary of the potential risks associated with using a mobile phone:

**Phone damage to the head**

 

Excessive use of the smartphone and placing it near the head while sleeping may lead to damage to brain cells. The brain tissues and bones are more delicate before puberty, making them more susceptible to the effects of smartphone radiation, which increases the risk of brain tumors. The California Department of Health has issued a set of guidelines on the use of smartphones, revealing many risks, including the frequencies that phones use to send and receive information from surrounding cell towers.

**Mobile phone damage to the eye**

 

Exposure to blue light and rays emitted from electrical devices in mobile phones causes many damages to the eye, including:

- The phone light absorbs the rays that pass through the lens and cornea to the retina, causing damage to the retinal cells and may lead to macular degeneration in the long term.

- Using a mobile phone causes serious vision problems, as it reduces the eye's ability to see far and increases the risk of myopia.

- One of the most prominent damages resulting from using a mobile phone is the possibility of developing cataracts, in addition to the appearance of abnormal changes in the eye.

- Continuous use of mobile phones may lead to cancer of the visual tissues, and reduces the rate of eye blinking, causing eye strain and redness, blurred vision, and dry eye syndrome.

**Hearing problems**

Hearing problems are considered one of the physical damages that may result from children's use of smartphones, as listening to music through earphones for long periods of time has negative effects on the sense of hearing. The World Health Organization has warned of the risks associated with smartphones, noting that about one billion people suffer from hearing problems as a result of exposure to loud sounds for long periods of time.

**. Increased risk of cancer** On the other hand, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified mobile phone radiation as a carcinogenic substance, indicating a potential risk of cancer, including brain cancer.

**. Decline in social and emotional skills** The more time you spend staring at your phone screen, the less time you have for direct communication with others. This hinders building bonds between individuals and developing strong relationships, which are essential aspects of mental and psychological health and the health of society in general.

**. Increased risk of traffic accidents** There is no doubt that using a mobile phone while driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents and deaths, due to its negative impact on the driver's concentration. Research has shown that there is a significant increase in the risk of traffic accidents when using a mobile phone. The risk of an accident increases by 3 to 4 times when using the phone, whether it is handheld or equipped with accessories.

Does a mobile phone cause impotence in men?

 

The electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones are a major threat to human health, as they can lead to problems such as osteoporosis, brain cancer, and cardiovascular disease. But the damage does not stop there, as carrying the phone in the front pocket of the pants may expose the genitals to multiple risks that negatively affect men's sexual health, including:

**Erectile dysfunction** When mobile phones are placed in front pockets, they become very close to the genitals. With continuous exposure to electromagnetic waves, the blood vessels in this area may be damaged, affecting blood flow to the penis. This can lead to erectile dysfunction, and in some cases, impotence.

**Low sperm count**  People who use mobile phones for more than 4 hours a day may experience a decline in the ability of the testicles to produce sperm, leading to:

- Decreased sexual desire.

- Feeling pain in the testicles.

- Swelling of the testicles in some cases.

**Low testosterone**  Continuous exposure to electromagnetic waves can lead to a decrease in the levels of the male hormone "testosterone" in the body, resulting in:

- Decreased sexual desire and ability.

- Erectile dysfunction.

- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)

Tips to reduce the risk of exposure to radiation:

1. **Use headphones**  To ensure your safety, it is preferable to use wireless earphones during phone calls, while making sure to keep the phone out of your reach.

2. **Put the phone away when not in use**  Try to avoid keeping your phone on near your body throughout the day, to reduce exposure to radiation emitted from it.

3. **Focus on signal strength**  It is advisable to avoid using your mobile phone if the reception signal is weak, as electromagnetic radiation emission increases in this case.

4. **Avoid using your phone in closed metal places**  Try not to use your cell phone in elevators, cars, trains or airplanesRat, as radiation levels increase in these closed spaces.

5 **- Replace calls with text messages** The farther the phone is from your body, the better. So it is preferable to replace long calls with short text messages.

6** - Use a landline at home** When you are at home, it is preferable to use a traditional landline instead of a cordless phone, as the latter emits radiation similar to that emitted by a mobile phone.

7** - Avoid using radiation-protective covers** Radiation-protective covers for the phone are one of the most dangerous things we resort to to protect ourselves, as these covers obstruct transmission, which leads to increased radiation from mobile devices.

8**- Avoid placing the "router" in the bedroom**To obtain complete protection from harmful electromagnetic radiation, it is preferable to place the wireless router or "router" outside the bedroom, in addition to all mobile phones.

**Preventive measures that can be followed**

 

Scientists realize that most individuals will not give up using mobile phones. With many studies indicating potential risks, experts advise phone users to take some preventive measures to reduce the potential negative effects, including:

- Reduce the number of calls you make.

- Reduce the duration of calls.

- Reduce the brightness of the screen, especially in dark places.

- Use devices in a way that does not require the use of hands, such as wired or wireless headphones (Bluetooth), or use voice assistant programs or turn on the speaker.

- Switch the ear used when talking on the phone.

- Avoid carrying the phone in your pocket, on your belt, or anywhere close to your body, as radiation is emitted from phones even when not in use.

- Reduce the use of the phone in rural areas or in places with poor reception, as more radiation is emitted when you are far from the phone tower.

- Use text messages instead of calls, and avoid doing so while driving.

When using your mobile phone, try to change the direction of use between the ears.

Avoid putting the phone in your pocket, on your belt, or anywhere close to your body, as mobile phones emit radiation even when not in use.

Minimize your phone use in rural areas or in places with poor reception, as the amount of radiation increases when you are far from a cell phone tower.

Instead of making calls, use text messages (and avoid doing so while driving).

Check the level of radiation your phone emits by looking at the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is a measure of the amount of radiation your body can absorb. So, when buying a new phone, try to choose a phone with a lower SAR to reduce the risks associated with cell phones.

- Avoid putting your phone in your pants pockets, and it is preferable to keep it in your handbag.

- Make sure not to use your phone indoors, as it emits more radiation than usual due to the need to connect to the network, which may affect your general health, especially sexual health.

- Make sure not to use your phone for long periods.