Cigarette smoke has been associated with many cancers and other health conditions and there is concern about the possible negative effects of smoking on semen parameters and male reproduction. This study reports on the effect of cigarette smoking on semen parameters from data collected as part of the Fish and Infertility Study (FINS), a cross-sectional NIH study undertaken to evaluate the environmental factors on measures of male infertility. 603 men between the ages of 18 and 60 were recruited from couples presenting at two infertility clinics in Michigan. Participants filled out a detailed questionnaire on lifestyle factors and provided semen, blood, and urine specimens. Data from the FINS study was analyzed to assess smoking exposure and other lifestyle variables that may negatively affect sperm parameters. We found significant and increased odds of low normal sperm morphology between participants who were "Ever Smokers" versus "Never Smokers" (OR=1.61, p=0.032, CI= 1.043, 2.496). No significant associations were found between cigarette smoke exposure and total sperm count, sperm concentration, semen volume, or motility. When total sperm count and sperm concentration were assessed, exercise was shown to have a significant negative effect on both semen parameters, while work stress seemed to function as a protective factor. We also detected a protective association between the wearing of boxers and sperm motility.
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