ABSTRACT

Research of the effect of alcohol and smoking of the male spouses of infertile couples and their occupational groups on sperm quality.

686 male cases who have applied to Trakya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Infertility Polyclinic were included in the assessment. As a result of the spermiogram test, every patient’s sperm count, motility and morphology were assessed. Occupational groups, usage of alcohol and smoking were enquired to each case. Mann Whitney U, Willcoxon Test was employed in the statistical analyses and the risk ratios were calculated.

Out of the 686 people, 353 were smokers (51.4%) and 333 were non-smokers (48.6%). The number of people who smoked and also consumed alcohol was 59 (8.6%). In terms of occupation, 132 people were unemployed (%19.2), 23 were being exposed to heat (%3.3), 256 had to stand while working (%37.3), 31 were being exposed to radiation and chemicals (%4.5), 199 had to be both stand and sitting while working (%29) and 45 had to sit while working (%6.5). As a result of our study, while no correlation between smoking and the sperm count and morphology could be observed, the sperm motility of the smoking group has been observed to be lower. However, no significant difference in terms of semen analysis could be observed between, just drinkers, both drinker and smokers and non-smokers and drinkers groups. Smokers and those who both smoke and have a job where they have to be sitting have a significantly lower sperm motility. When the sperm quality is observed amongst occupational groups in terms of alcohol, the sperm motility of the people who were only exposed to radiation and chemicals have significantly increased in the alcohol consumers.

Semen quality is affected by numerous genetic and environmental factors. Smoking, alcohol consumption and being employed in certain occupational groups are just a few of many risk factors.

Keywords: Infertility, semen quality, smoking, alcohol, occupations