Histomorphometry and Sperm Quality in Male Rats Exposed to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi.

The widespread use of Wi-Fi raises questions about its potential health effects. Male fertility is a particular focus because an increasing number of studies suggest that exposure to radiofrequency radiation from cellular or Wi-Fi networks causes impairment. This study uses a rat model to investigate the impact of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation on male fertility.

Eighteen male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 6 rats each: sham-exposed, exposed 4 h per day, and exposed 24 h per day. Exposure lasted 8 weeks. A commercial Wi-Fi router positioned 20 cm from the cages served as the radiation source. Based on the router’s maximum power density (0.141 W/m²), the authors calculated a whole-body SAR of 0.41 W/kg for the rats. After exposure, the testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, seminiferous tubules, and coagulating glands were examined histologically. In addition, spermatogenesis was semi-quantitatively assessed (Johnson score), and sperm parameters (concentration, motility, and vitality) were quantitatively analyzed.

Macroscopically, there were only minor differences between the control group and the exposed groups. However, the seminal vesicles were significantly enlarged after a 4-hour daily exposure. The exposed groups showed histological changes, including interstitial edema in the testicular tubules, vacuolization of the epididymal epithelium, and hyperplasia of the seminal vesicles. No alterations were found in the coagulating glands. Continuous 24-hour exposure led to a statistically significant reduction in seminiferous tubule diameter. The Johnson score decreased significantly in both exposed groups compared to the control group. Sperm concentration also declined significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Motility decreased significantly in the 4-hour group, but recovered to control levels in the 24-hour group. Surprisingly, sperm vitality increased significantly in the 24-hour group.

Microscopic findings indicate degenerative alterations to the male reproductive organs caused by Wi-Fi exposure. These structural changes impair spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. According to the authors, these findings suggest that 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation may pose a risk to male fertility. However, the paradoxical increase in sperm vitality and recovery of motility under continuous daily exposure indicates the activation of compensatory processes.

Editor's note:

The study's validity is supported by its realistic exposure scenario, which employed a commercial Wi-Fi router within the sub-thermal range, and its examination of a wide array of tissues. The 8-week exposure period covered several full spermatogenesis cycles, which is another positive aspect of the study’s methodology. Unfortunately, no biochemical analyses were conducted (e.g. oxidative stress or DNA damage), which could have illuminated the underlying mechanisms and supported the morphological findings. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that radiofrequency radiation poses a serious risk to male fertility (Jamaludin et al., 2025; Maluin et al., 2024; Kaur et al., 2023). (RH)

Jamaludin N, Ibrahim SF, Jaffar FHF, Zulkefli AF, Osman K (2025). The Influence of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi Exposure Duration on Sperm Quality and Testicular Histopathology: An Exploration of Peroxidative Injury. Antioxidants, 14(2), 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14020179

Kaur P, Rai U, Singh R (2023). Genotoxic Risks to Male Reproductive Health from Radiofrequency Radiation. Cells, 12(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12040594

Maluin SM, Jaffar FHF, Osman K, Zulkefli AF, Mat Ros MF, Ibrahim SF (2024). Exploring edible bird nest’s potential in mitigating Wi-Fi’s impact on male reproductive health. Reproductive Medicine and Biology, 23(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/rmb2.12606