The role of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation on female fertility: A review

ABSTRACTWith increasing technological developments, exposure to non-ionizing radiations has become unavoidable as people cannot escape from electromagnetic field sources, such as Wi-Fi, electric wires, microwave oven, radio, telecommunication, bluetooth devices, etc. These radiations can be associated with increased health problems of the users. This review aims to determine the effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations on female fertility. To date, several in vitro and in vivo studies unveiled that exposure to non-ionizing radiations brings about harmful effects on oocytes, ovarian follicles, endometrial tissue, estrous cycle, reproductive endocrine hormones, developing embryo, and fetal development in animal models. Non-ionizing radiation also upsurges the free radical load in the uterus and ovary, which leads to inhibition of cell growth and DNA disruptions. In conclusion, non-ionizing electromagnetic radiations can cause alterations in both germ cells as well as in their nourishing environment and also affect other female reproductive parameters that might lead to infertility.KEYWORDS: Electromagnetic radiationsnon-Ionizing radiationsovarian folliclesreproductionfemale fertility AcknowledgementsAuthors gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The first author is also thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC) for providing fellowship.Disclosure statementNo conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Authors ContributionsPooja Jangid written the manuscript, Umesh Rai analyzed and edited the manuscript, Radhey Shyam Sharma designed and edited the manuscript and Rajeev Singh conceptualized, designed, analyzed, written and supervised the manuscript.Additional informationFundingThe work is supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research [Grant No.- 5/10/FR/28/2019-RBMCH], New Delhi, India-110029.