The effects of tobacco and cannabis use on semen and endocrine parameters in infertile males

Substances such as tobacco and cannabis can negatively modulate seminal parameters and sex hormones and lead to fertility problems in males. The present study aimed to determine the effect of cigarettes, dipping tobacco, and cannabis on semen parameters and sex hormones in infertile males. A total of 160 infertile healthy participants (cigarette smokers n = 40, dipping tobacco users n = 40, cannabis users n = 40 and infertile controls n = 40) were included in the study. Fasting blood samples were collected from all the participants using the aseptic technique, and semen samples were collected by masturbation following sexual abstinence of 2-7 days. The levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were determined using ELISA. The serum level of FSH was significantly higher in cannabis users relative to the control group (p = 0.043). A mild non-significant decrease in sperm count, serum LH and testosterone levels were observed in all drug users compared to controls. In conclusion, chronic use of tobacco and cannabis mildly modulates semen and hormonal parameters in infertile males.

Automated summary

The chronic use of tobacco and cannabis has been found to mildly affect semen and hormonal parameters in infertile males, resulting in a decrease in sperm count and serum LH and testosterone levels, and an increase in serum FSH levels.