The impact of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) measured by HalospermA®

Both cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are somehow implicated in sperm function, but the impact of these two lifestyle factors on sperm parameters remains controversial. The present study is focused on the impact of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption separately and combined on sperm parameters and sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF). The study included 207 consecutive semen samples derived from men who were seeking semen analysis for fertility purposes in our IVF Unit. Semen volume, percent of degenerated spermatozoa and SDF were significantly correlated with the various smoking status. The percent of spermatozoa with small halos significantly correlated with the alcohol status. The smoking status of the men was correlated with the alcohol status. Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption separately and combined were found to have deleterious effect on sperm parameters and SDF. It is suggested that both habits may contribute to infertility problems.