A Study on Impact of Smoking on Semen Parameters

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility approximately affects 15% of couple in India, among which male factor infertility isassociated as contributing factor causing infertility in 40- 50% of cases and sole cause in 15 -20% of cases. Semen analysis is a standard investigating tool in evaluating male infertility. Lifestyle factors namely diet, obesity, smoking, alcohol, stress, play a major role in health. Among these factors smoking is inevitable, causing detrimental effects on semen parameters and associated with lower fertility rates.Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 295 male partners of women with infertility,attending the fertility Clinic, in reproductive medicine department over 10 months. Two hundred andninety five men satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected by simple random sampling technique. The semen parameters of the participants were analysed, entire socio-demographic profile and detailed history was obtained using structured questionnaire and confidentiality was maintained. The results were ascertained using SPSS.Results: Among 295 participants, total 99 (33.55%) men had abnormal semen parameters. Nearly half of thestudy subjects (i.e.) 148 (50%) among 295 subjects were found to be smokers. Among 99 male with abnormalsemen parameters, 60 (61%) men who had abnormal semen parameters were smokers. This study proves a strong association between smoking on male fertility (1.9 times greater risk among smokers). Significant association (x 2 = 6.492, p = 0.0108) was found between smoking, reduced semen parameters and quality.Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications such as cessation of smoking, premarital and pre-conception health checkups, counselling, voluntary fertility testing by male partners, early detection and appropriate intervention the saves the reproductive potential. Men must be health educated for developing knowledge on ill effects of smoking, positive attitude, behavioural change and accept his responsibility for strengthening and caring his female partner amidst the societal pressures. Thus the present study substantiates more evidence to the existing literature.