[Alcohol and fertility--from the andrological point of view]

We report on the present views on disturbances regarding spermatogenesis caused by chronic abuse of alcohol which still are partly based on findings from the year 1910. We are also presenting results of semen analysis in alcoholics. There is some evidence that alcohol-toxic damage of the testes may occur immediately. Regarding alcohol-toxic effects, we discuss some biochemical conceptions as there are the metabolism of Vitamin A and possible effects on the steroid reductases in particular. Our own studies have revealed some disturbances with regard to the gestagen metabolism of chronic alcoholics.