The impact of alcohol on the male reproductive system
https://doi.org/10.21045/2782-1676-2021-1-2-62-69
Abstract
Although alcohol has been consumed by humans for centuries, its effect on reproductive function is still not fully understood. Numerous studies have examined the effects of alcohol on ejaculate parameters and male fertility. This article provides an overview of the main preclinical and clinical studies. Studies in experimental animals have shown that ethanol-rich diets cause spermatogenesis abnormalities, a variety of abnormalities involving different parts of the reproductive tract, and a decreased frequency of fertilization in murine oocytes. These effects quickly disappeared with the cessation of alcohol use. Most of the studies examining the effects of alcohol on men have shown a negative effect on ejaculate parameters. An association of hypogonadism and low or elevated gonadotropin levels has been reported, suggesting a combined central and peripheral damaging effect of ethanol. Thus, alcohol consumption has a pronounced negative effect on ejaculate parameters, which can be reversible upon cessation of alcohol consumption.
About the Authors
O. I. Apolikhin
Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center of Radiology” of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Oleg I. Apolikhin – D.Sc. (Medicine), Professor, Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director, chief specialist of the Ministry of Health of Russia on male reproductive health
Moscow
S. S. Krasnyak
Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology named after N.A. Lopatkin – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution “National Medical Research Center of Radiology” of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Stepan S. Krasnyak – Department of andrology and human reproduction of N.A. Lopatkin Scientific
Moscow
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For citations:
Apolikhin O.I., Krasnyak S.S. The impact of alcohol on the male reproductive system. Public Health. 2021;1(2):62-69. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21045/2782-1676-2021-1-2-62-69
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