Altered semen fluid dynamics in smokers: a study on delayed liquefaction and increased viscosity

OBJECTIVES: Male reproductive health is vital for societal stability, and lifestyle-related factors significantly influence fertility. Tobacco smoking is a major modifiable risk factor implicated in male infertility. This study aimed to assess differences in semen fluid dynamics and quality parameters between smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study was conducted at PSGIMS&R, Coimbatore. Seventy-four males aged 20-50 years were enrolled. A detailed clinical history was obtained, and semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 guidelines. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 23.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers showed a significantly higher rate of increased semen turbidity (29 vs. 1 %, p=0.002) and delayed liquefaction time (43 vs. 1 %, p=0.002). Mean sperm motility (49.90 vs. 59.45 %, p=0.01) and vitality (42.71 vs. 50.70 %, p=0.04) were significantly reduced among smokers. Regression analysis indicated that coffee consumption, reported by all smokers, did not act as a confounding variable. CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco smoking has a deleterious effect on semen fluid dynamics, resulting in delayed liquefaction and increased turbidity, along with reduced sperm motility and vitality, thereby negatively impacting male fertility.