Male fertility is not the subject of much discussion. Even when it is being discussed, the focus is more on what to do than on what not to do. While many people focus on diet, exercise, etc. to improve their fertility, they tend to ignore that too much smoking and alcohol intake can also have an extremely negative impact on their fertility and reproductive health. Globally, there is now a decline in the male fertility rate. Naturally, it is very important to have an idea about how smoking and alcohol can affect sperm quality and reproductive health in males. Many individuals seek fertility treatment in Kolkata to address such concerns effectively.
Sperm quality is generally assessed on various important parameters, including:
It is important to understand that all such factors can contribute to the ability of a man to fertilize an egg successfully. If any of these elements get disrupted, there can be infertility, lower chances of conception, or the risk of miscarriages even if conception occurs. In such cases, early fertility treatment is necessary, and consulting an infertility clinic in Kolkata can be helpful.
Cigarette smoke includes over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are well-known carcinogens and toxins. Formaldehyde, cadmium, carbon monoxide, and nicotine are some of the harmful substances that can be found in cigarettes. When these toxins enter the bloodstream, they reach the testicles, interfering with sperm production and function.
According to research, smoking has been found to reduce sperm count and motility significantly. Men who smoke regularly are often found to have a lower concentration of sperm in their semen. Even the sperm that their body manages to produce are not quite capable of moving towards an egg effectively. Smoking also raises the risk of abnormal sperm production, which can reduce the chances of successful fertilization and hinder IVF success.
Smoking also causes damage to the sperm DNA. According to studies, smoking increases oxidative stress in the body, which leads to the fragmentation of DNA within the sperm cells. It reduces the chances of conception as well as leads to birth defects and developmental problems in offsprings.
The levels of hormones responsible for controlling sperm production are also affected by smoking. Excessive smoking has been associated to reduced testosterone levels, which can have a negative impact on the quality of erection, libido and overall sexual health. All of these can have an indirect impact on fertility, and consulting a qualified IVF doctor in Kolkata can help assess the situation.
Just like tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption can impact male reproductive health. The liver is the powerhouse responsible for breaking down alcohol in the body. However, chronic alcohol intake can reduce the function of the liver and result in hormonal imbalances, which can hurt fertility.
Intake of excessive amount of alcohol can impair sperm quality. It may lower testosterone while triggering a rise in estrogen levels. The process of sperm production, or spermatogenesis, can also be impaired significantly. Long-term consumption of excessive alcohol is also known to result in reduced sperm production. The testicles also get reduced in size.
Heavy consumption of alcohol can also impact sperm motility and morphology. This results in a greater number of sperm with irregular shape and structure. These sperms cannot fertilize eggs quite successfully, which reduces the chances of conception.
Too much alcohol consumption also increases inflammation and oxidative stress in the male body, both of which can be harmful to sperm cells. Chronic drinking can lead to a build-up of a toxic byproduct of alcohol metabolism, known as acetaldehyde. Studies show that it can damage sperm DNA. In such cases, genetic counselling may be considered if conception occurs despite these issues.
Fortunately, in many cases, the negative impact of smoking and alcohol on sperm quality can be reversed. This is especially true if the man in question is relatively young and has not been consuming these substances for quite a long period.
According to research conducted by fertility specialists, it has been found that young men who give up smoking and alcohol intake often notice improvements in their sperm count, morphology and motility within a period of 3 to 6 months. This is due to the fact that the body produces new sperm every 64 – 74 days, which offers the chance to recover and reverse the damage.
It is important to note that the extent of recovery usually depends on a number of factors, such as overall health, age of the man and the intensity and duration of substance abuse. Some types of damages, such as excessive DNA fragmentation, may not be reversed fully. Still, understanding IVF treatment price and available options can guide informed decisions.
Smoking and alcohol consumption do not just have negative impact on fertility, but also on overall male health. These need to be avoided for the sake of general health, in any case. If you are a man who wants to enjoy a healthier reproductive system and improve your chances of fertility, avoid these substances or minimize their intake as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excessive smoking reduces sperm count as well as sperm motility. It also heightens oxidative stress, causing DNA damage in sperm cells.
Yes, too much alcohol consumption can lead to oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in sperm cells.
Unless there is prolonged smoking and severe damage, sperm quality can be improved upon giving up smoking. The reversal process can take several months to fully occur.
It can reduce testosterone levels in the body and have a negative impact on semen quality. It can adversely affect sperm count and morphology, as reported in infertility clinic.
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