Is smoking a risk factor for decreased semen quality? A cross-sectional analysis
Abstract
Background Previous studies suggest a deleterious effect of cigarette smoking on semen quality, but their results have not been consistent. We studied the association between current smoking and semen characteristics and hormonal levels in a large group of healthy men. Methods From 1987 to 2004, seven separate occupational or environmental semen quality studies were co-ordinated by our department. A total of 2562 men participated, each providing semen and blood sample and answering a questionnaire about lifestyle and factors related to health. Appropriate semen and smoking data were available for 2542 men. Results Adjusting for study, age and other covariates, we observed an inverse dose-response relation between smoking and semen volume, total sperm count and percentage motile sperm. Heavy smokers had a 19% lower sperm concentration than non-smokers. We found a positive dose-response relationship between smoking and testosterone, LH and the LH/free testosterone ratios. Conclusion Current smoking in adult life moderately impairs the semen quality. It is well known that semen quality is associated to fecundity. Therefore, it would be sensible to advise men to abstain from smoking to avoid decreased fecundity.
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Smoking can have adverse effects on male reproductive health, including reduced sperm count and diminished semen quality.
“It is widely acknowledged that smoking can have adverse effects on male reproductive health, including reduced sperm count and diminished semen quality8–11.”
From Association between serum cotinine and total testosterone in adult males based on NHANES 2011–2016 (2024) · cites this paper as [11]
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The diagnosis and management of men with low sperm motility
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Association between serum cotinine and total testosterone in adult males based on NHANES 2011–2016
Liu, M., Gou, Y., Zou, B., Li, X., & Yang, P. (2024) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-74482-6 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
- Authors
- Ramlau-Hansen, C. H., Thulstrup, A. M., Aggerholm, A. S., Jensen, M. S., Toft, G., & Bonde, J. P.
- Affiliations
- Aarhus University Hospital (DK)
- ORCID
- Venue
- Human Reproduction
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2006-09-11
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 188-196
- ISSN
- 0268-1161 (ISSN-L)
- 1460-2350
- OpenAlex
- W2148871426
- Cited by
- 289
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 22 · 2012: 18
- FWCI
- 11.18
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Human Reproduction (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Smoking Behavior and Cessation
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Male Reproductive Health Studies
- Keywords
- cigarette smoking, semen quality, sperm concentration, semen volume, total sperm count, sperm motility, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, male fertility, dose-response relationship, healthy men
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Cross-Sectional Studies, Humans, Male, Oligospermia, Risk Factors, Semen, Smoking, Sperm Count, Odds Ratio, Azoospermia
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