Study of lifestyle factors leading to male subfertility - a prospective observational study

Abstract

Context: In recent days, the inability to conceive is a common problem. Reason can either be due to female or male factor infertility. Lifestyle associations such as consumption of alcohol, tobacco smoking and chewing are few of the most discussed subjects of male infertility. Aims: The aim was to prove the association of semen quality (sperm count and motility) of male subjects indulging in alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking and tobacco chewing and its detrimental effects on sperm parameters of such patients. Settings and Design: This prospective study was conducted in and around of our institute, during the period of SEP 2018 to SEP 2019. Materials and Methods: A total number of 242 cases, aging between 18to50years, were included and subjected for semen analysis by using manual method according to World Health Organization 2010 criteria and also put through a validated questionnaire about lifestyle practices and health status. Data analysis was performed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 19. Results: Out Of 242 samples, 145(59.91%) cases were between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Present study reported that normozoospermia, oligozoospermia and azoospermia were in 71.90%, 21.48% and 06.61%, respectively. Out of 52(21.48%) sample of oligozoospermia, 40(76.92%) subjects were alcoholic, 29 (55.76%) men were tobacco smokers and 10 (19.23%) men were in indulged tobacco chewing. A total of 84 (34.71%) out of 242 samples manifested reduced sperm motility, of which 56 (66.66%) patients were enslaved to alcohol consumption. Conclusion: This study indicates that male fertility parameters are adversely affected by negative influences of lifestyle factors. Therefore, before the attempt to conceive, it is advisable to modify lifestyle habits discussed in the present study that helps supervise and manage their own fertility potential.

Keywords: Infertility, lifestyle factors, sperm count, sperm motility.