Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking has been shown to significantly affect semen quality. Regular smoking causes a 23% decrease in sperm density (concentration) and a 13% decrease in motility (when averages are taken from nine separate studies). To a lesser extent, smoking causes toxicity to the seminal plasma (the fluid ejaculated with the sperm). Sperm from non-smokers were adversely affected (had significantly decreased viability) when placed in the seminal plasma (hormonal) of smokers.
Smoking affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonatropin axis, most commonly affecting levels of estradiol and estrone (estrogens, which are hormones found in higher concentrations in women). The Leydig Cells, which are in the testes and produce testosterone, may have secretory dysfunction. Most worrisome is that there is evidence that suggests that paternal smoking may also be associated with congenital abnormalities and childhood cancer, though the relative risk in most studies is less than two.
Cigarette smoking has been shown to significantly affect semen quality. Regular smoking causes a 23% decrease in sperm density (concentration) and a 13% decrease in motility (when averages are taken from nine separate studies). To a lesser extent, smoking causes toxicity to the seminal plasma (the fluid ejaculated with the sperm). Sperm from non-smokers were adversely affected (had significantly decreased viability) when placed in the seminal plasma (hormonal) of smokers.
Smoking affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonatropin axis, most commonly affecting levels of estradiol and estrone (estrogens, which are hormones found in higher concentrations in women). The Leydig Cells, which are in the testes and produce testosterone, may have secretory dysfunction. Most worrisome is that there is evidence that suggests that paternal smoking may also be associated with congenital abnormalities and childhood cancer, though the relative risk in most studies is less than two.
Exercise
Moderate amounts of exercise can only be helpful. However,
long-distance runners (men who run more than 100 miles per week) and
distance cyclers (men who ride more than 50 miles per week) have
decreased spermatogenesis. These activities should be moderated when
a sub-fertile man is attempting conception.
Lifestyle and excessive exercise should be moderated when a sub-fertile man is attempting conception.
