Investigating the association between alcohol intake and male reproductive function: A current meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Alcohol use and alcohol-related health problems are on the rise in developing countries. This meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of alcohol consumption on human male reproductive function through semen parameters, antioxidants in semen, sperm DNA fragmentation, and sex hormones. Methods Studies regarding the effects of alcohol consumption on male reproductive function were searched on databases. Based on the random-effects model, STATA software was used to analyze and synthesize the selected studies. Alcoholics, moderate alcoholics, heavy alcoholics, and no alcoholics values were compared using the standard mean difference. Publications were assessed for publication bias by the Egger test. Result Forty studies were selected from databases examining the effect of alcohol consumption on male reproductive health in 23,258 people on five continents of the world. The meta-analysis revealed that alcohol intake reduced semen volume during each ejaculation (SMD = −0.51; 95% CI −0.77, −0.25). However, there were no significant associations with other semen indicators such as density, mobility, and normal and abnormal sperm count from this analysis. In addition, drinking alcohol lowered antioxidant enzymes in semen (SMD = −7.93; 95% CI −12.59, −3.28) but had no effect on sperm DNA fragmentation. Finally, the results showed a decrease in general testosterone levels (SMD = −1.60; 95% CI −2.05, −1.15), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (SMD = −0.47; 95% CI −0.88,…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 23,258 participants or records.
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