Cell Phone Use may Increase the Risk of Impotence

Though cell phones have become an integral part of our lives, a recent study shows that they may be responsible for problems in the bedroom. According to researchers, men who hold their cell phones for more than four hours a day are significantly more likely to experience issues with erectile dysfunction when compared to those who used their cell phones for two hours or less.

"This prospective pilot study showed that there may be a relation between cell phone usage and erectile dysfunction (ED)," said lead study author Badereddin Mohamad, Al-Ali, via The Daily Mail. "Men with ED use their phones longer then men without ED [and] men who have ED carry their switched-on cell phones significantly longer than men who do not have ED. Our study showed the total time of exposure to the cell phone is much more important than the relatively short duration of intense exposure during phone calls."

The study involved 20 men who had experienced problems with erectile dysfunction in the last half year, and 10 healthy men who had no history of impotence. No significant differences between age, weight, height and smoking habits were seen between the two groups, as men in both showed similar levels of total testosterone levels and spent a similar amount of time talking on their phones.

Researchers discovered that the biggest difference for men was the length of time that they carried "switched-on" cell phones in their pockets or hands. All participants were also required to fill out a Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and were assessed based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). They were also asked to complete surveys regarding their cell phone use.

Findings revealed that men who suffered from impotence had cell phones for a "significantly longer time" than healthy men in the control group. For instance, men in the impotence group were found with their phones for 4.4 hours a day compared to those in the healthy group who carried their phones for 1.8 hours a day.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Central European Journal of Urology.