Influence of khat on seminal fluid among presumed infertile couples

To evaluate the influence of khat, alone and in combination with other drugs, on the qualitative characteristics of seminal fluid analysis of the male partners of allegedly infertile Ethiopian couples.

A prospective cross-sectional study.

Infertility clinics at the Gandhi Memorial Women's hospital and Brook Medical Services from September 1992 to April 1995.

A total of 214 male patients with history of infertility and substance use of khat alone or in combination with tobacco smoking, coffee drinking and alcohol intake of over one year. All patients with no ejaculate, urologic and medical disorders and never used khat were excluded from the study.

Abnormal values were obtained for relatively older patients who also showed a higher frequency of marriage, prolonged duration of infertility and greater number of children ever fathered (p<0.05). The normal and abnormal results for khat and other drug consumers accounted for 97 (53%) and 86 (47%) in contrast to 22 (71%) and 9 (29%) for the control group, respectively. The study revealed decreased volume, sperm count, motility and morphological changes in khat chewers compared to non-drug users although the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

The study highlights the possible association of long-term use of khat and abnormal seminal fluid analysis profiles.

Community-based clinical and epidemiological studies should be undertaken in regions where khat is widely consumed.