Effect of Chronic Alcoholism and Smoking in Male Reproductive Function

Abstract

The effect of chronic alcoholism, chronic smoking and chronic alcoholism with smoking on pituitary, testicular hormones and semen pertaining to male reproductive functions were studied in human beings. The male population who were included in the study were categorized into four groups: Group I. Control (Non alcoholics and non smokers), Group II. Alcoholics, Group III. Smokers and Group IV. Alcoholics with smoking. The Questionnaire specially prepared for this study were carefully analyzed. The inclusion criteria such as age limit, volume of alcohol consumption, duration of alcohol consumed in a week, number of years of consumption of alcohol in a row and number of cigarettes smoked in a day were statistically tabulated and analyzed. Subjects falling under the age group of 20 to 50 years, who are free from chronic diseases were selected. All the investigations planned in the study were done before alcohol de-addiction treatment. Alcohol and smoking are two different pleasure seeking habits. Initially people started these for fun but slowly most of the people become addicted to these habits. It is concluded that alcohol and smoke have decreased the sexual functions libido, orgasm and potency. Cigarette smoking has decreased the male reproductive function in unique direction by acting at seminiferous tubule and has also decreased the semen quality. Alcohol has decreased the reproductive function bidirectionally, one by decreasing the male reproductive hormone testosterone and the other by decreasing the semen quality. Consumption of alcohol and smoking together have severely suppressed the male reproductive function. This research has proved beyond doubt that chronic alcohol consumption and chronic smoking have a terrible detrimental effect on the male reproductive hormones and also on the quality of semen, which, in turn, will make people who are addicted to these things impotent and sterile. Hence, men are advised to retrain from these addictions if they want to procreate and also to lead a normal sexual life.