Impact of Tobacco Cigarette Smoking on Semen Quality and Serum Levels of Sex Hormones in Men: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The detrimental effect of tobacco cigarette smoking on human health has been reported in previous studies. The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of tobacco cigarette smoking on sperm quality and serum levels of sex hormones in men from the Jordanian population.

METHOD

In this study, 145 smoker men and 136 nonsmoker men were recruited. Semen analysis including ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, sperm total mobility and sperm morphology, was performed for comparison between cigarette smokers and non-cigarette smokers. Serum concentrations of total testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone were also assessed in all subjects.

RESULTS

Results from this study showed a significant statistical reduction in ejaculate volume (2.14 ± 0.03 mL vs. 2.65 ± 0.02 mL,  < 0.001) and sperm quality (sperm concentration, sperm total motility and sperm morphology) in smokers compared to non-smokers. It also showed that smokers had statistically significant decreases in serum total testosterone hormone and follicular-stimulating hormone levels (400.17 ± 4.29 IU/L and 6.23 ± 0.02 IU/L), respectively compared to non-smokers (510.15 ± 5.17 IU/L and 7.75 ± 0.52 IU/L), respectively ( < 0.05). Smokers exhibited a notably higher level of serum luteinizing hormone compared to non-smokers, with statistical significance (8.34 ± 0.03 IU/L vs. 7.04 ± 0.05 IU/L,  < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Tobacco cigarette smoking showed an obvious reduction in ejaculate volume and sperm quality as well as altered levels of serum sex hormones in Jordanian men.