The impact of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters is difficult to detect because of potential impact of female smoking habits and female reproductive health. However, numerous studies have shown:
1. Decreased in sperm counts, motility, antioxidant activity, and more abnormally shaped sperm.
2. The average decrease in sperm counts is about 22% and is dose-dependent, meaning, the more exposure to cigarette smoking, the potentially lower sperm counts.
3. Smoking may directly affect the ability of sperm to penetrate the egg (i.e. decreased chance of fertilization)
References:
- Stillman RJ, editor. Seminars in reproductive endocrinology: smoking and reproductive health. New York: Thieme Medical Publishers; 1989.
- Pasqualotto FF, Umezu FM, Salvador M, Borges E, Sobreiro BP, Pasqualotto EB. Effect of cigarette smoking on antioxidant levels and presence of leukocytospermia in infertile men: a prospective study. Fertil Steril 2008;90:278–83.
- Said TM, Ranga G, Agarwal A. Relationship between semen quality and tobacco chewing in men undergoing infertility evaluation. Fertil Steril 2005; 84:649–53.
- Sofikitis N, Takenaka M, Kanakas N, Papadopoulos H, Yamamoto Y, Drakakis P, et al. Effects of cotinine on sperm motility, membrane function, and fertilizing capacity in vitro. Urol Res 2000;28:370–5.
