From Smoke to Sperm: Evaluating the Synergistic Effects of Smoking Cessation, L-Carnitine, and B-Complex Supplementation on Male Fertility
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60988/p.v37i4.125Keywords:
Male infertility, Semen analysis, Smoking cessation, TobaccoAbstract
Objective: Smoking is a major risk to the health, yet its detrimental impact on male fertility status is often underreported clinically. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of smoking cessation on seminal parameters in infertile male smokers and compare the results with those who continued smoking. Methods: A double-center, follow-up cohort study was conducted in Mosul, Iraq between January 2025 and April 2025. A total of 67 infertile male smokers aged 18–55 years were enrolled and divided into two groups: the smoking cessation group (STSMO, n=35) and the smoking continuation group (CTSMO, n=32). Both groups received B-complex and L-Carnitine supplementation. Semen and hormonal analyses were performed at baseline and after three months. Results: The STSMO group demonstrated significant improvements in sperm count (18.99 ± 11.41 to 30.31 ± 15.08 million/ml, p < 0.0001), progressive motility (10.57 ± 4.661% to 19.57 ± 8.607%, p < 0.0001), sluggish motility (14 ± 6.278% to 18.43 ± 6.942%, p = 0.0025), and viability (44.29 ± 12.38% to 56.71 ± 13.56%, p < 0.0001). In contrast, the CTSMO group showed no significant changes in these parameters. Conclusion: Smoking cessation significantly improves sperm count, motility, and viability in infertile male smokers, highlighting the detrimental effects of smoking on male fertility. Infertility specialists should counsel patients on quitting smoking as part of fertility treatment.
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