Prenatal exposure to smoking and male reproductive health.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To assess whether prenatal exposure to smoking is associated with impaired reproductive health in exposed men.

RECENT FINDINGS

Men who have been exposed to maternal smoking in utero have smaller testes and impaired semen quality as compared to nonexposed men, suggesting toxic effects on Sertoli and/or germ cells. According to meta-analyses there is only a weak or no association with fetal exposure to smoking and the incidence of testicular germ cell cancer, cryptorchidism, or hypospadias.

SUMMARY

Adverse effect of maternal smoking on sperm production capacity of their son is yet another good reason for women to quit smoking before pregnancy.