Study to evaluate Association of Tobacco Chewing and Smoking with Semen Parameters

Abstract

Introduction: Many studies have shown deleterious effects of tobacco abuse in any form on semen quality. We studied the association of tobacco chewing, smoking, and their combination on semen characteristics. Materials and methods: Our study was performed on 216 normal asymptomatic healthy males (49 controls, 54 smokers, 55 tobacco chewers, and 58 consuming both) in the age group of 24 to 35 years. The effect on semen parameters was analyzed. Results: Consuming both forms of tobacco individually and in combination had statistically significant effect on sperm morphology, progressive motility, and semen concentration. Other parameters show nonstatistically significant decline compared with controls. Conclusion: As smoking and chewing tobacco negatively affect quality of semen, strategies should be developed to direct attention of the general population toward its effect on fertility status of male.