Global research trends on RF-EMR and reproductive health: Bibliometric insights and mechanistic review

The widespread adoption of mobile phones has raised public health concerns regarding the biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR), with reproductive health considered a potentially vulnerable domain. This study systematically characterized the global research landscape through a combined bibliometric analysis and mechanistic narrative review. Web of Science Core Collection was searched on 19 February 2025 with no year restriction. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 828 publications were retained. Bibliometric networks were constructed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) at institutional, country, author, keyword, and journal levels. A complementary mechanistic review was conducted independently of the bibliometric dataset. Publication output increased substantially from 2005, peaking between 2018 and 2020. The United States and China were the most frequently represented countries (152 and 151 documents, respectively). Keyword co-occurrence identified oxidative stress as the dominant mechanistic theme (110 occurrences; TLS = 838), co-occurring with apoptosis, sperm quality, DNA fragmentation, testosterone, and spermatogenesis. A temporal shift from genetic risk studies towards targeted mechanistic investigations was observed. Evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies suggests RF-EMR may adversely affect reproductive health through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA damage, apoptosis, hormonal disruption, and impaired spermatogenesis, though direct extrapolation to human outcomes requires caution. This study maps global research trends in RF-EMR and reproductive health and identifies key collaborative networks and mechanistic themes. Standardized experimental designs, long-term human studies, and interdisciplinary approaches are needed to resolve outstanding uncertainties.