[Consequences of cigarette smoking on male fertility]

The different studies conducted over the last fifteen years on the consequences of cigarette smoking on male fertility have shown a decrease of sperm quality in smokers. In fact, the components of cigarette smoke pass through the blood-testis barrier and thus induce an alteration of sperm parameters and nucleus quality of the spermatozoa. Beyond this decrease of sperm quality, cigarette smoking also appears to have an impact on the smoker's offspring: lower embryo quality, increased risks to develop a childhood cancer. The pathophysiologic mechanisms are not yet clearly understood, but one of the most likely hypotheses is the production of an oxidative stress which is responsible for DNA fragmentation compromising the chances of pregnancy. In addition to the spermogram, further tests available in specialized laboratories can be prescribed to evaluate spermatozoal DNA fragmentation (TUNEL Assay, SCSA...). Antioxidant treatment can be administrated to reduce DNA fragmentation and increase the chances of pregnancy.