Impact of cigarette smoking on semen quality and sperm DNA fragmentation in infertile men of Chhattisgarh, India

Background: Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for male infertility, primarily by reducing sperm count and motility, thereby impairing spermatogenesis and overall reproductive function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of smoking on semen parameters and sperm DNA integrity in infertile men. Methods: A total of 200 male partners of infertile couples attending an infertility clinic in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, from 2022 to 2024 were included. Detailed smoking histories were obtained, followed by semen analysis. Statistical comparisons between smokers and non-smokers were performed using appropriate software. Results: Smokers had significantly lower semen volume (2.08±0.78 versus 2.45±0.79 ml), total sperm count (59.22±60.39 versus 94.12±91.12 million), total motility (44.82±24.66 versus 57.03±20.33%), progressive motility (24.67±24.19 versus 33.07±24.14%), vitality (46.46±20.18 versus 56.81±22.15%), and normal morphology (3.25±1.27 versus 3.84±1.42%), with higher DNA fragmentation index (21.33±10.52 versus 15.05±6.63%) compared with non-smokers. Moderate or occasional smokers exhibited intermediate values. Sperm concentration did not differ significantly. Normozoospermia was most frequent in non-smokers (46%), whereas daily smokers showed higher prevalence of asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and combined abnormalities, suggesting a dose-dependent negative effect of smoking. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking significantly impairs semen quality and increases sperm DNA fragmentation, contributing to male infertility. Even intermittent smoking adversely affects semen parameters, highlighting the importance of smoking cessation for fertility preservation.