New Study Finds E-Cigarette Use Linked to Decreased Sperm Count and Testicular Damage in Men
E-cigarette use has been found to have negative effects on sperm count, testicles, and sex drive in men, according to a recent study conducted in Turkey. The research, carried out by researchers from Sivas Cumhuriyet University, aimed to examine how e-cigarette smoke affects the male urogenital system responsible for reproductive and urinary functions.
During the study, one group of male rats was exposed to regular cigarette smoke, another group was exposed to vapor from e-cigarettes (EC), and a third group was kept away from any exposure. The rats were subjected to the smoke for one hour, twice a day.
The findings revealed that rats exposed to e-cigarette vapor exhibited lower sperm count compared to the unexposed group. Sperm count is a crucial factor in fertility, and a higher count generally increases the chances of pregnancy. The unexposed rats had a sperm count of 98.5 million sperm per millimeter, while the e-cigarette group had 95.1 million and the traditional cigarette group had 89 million.
Microscopic analysis also showed structural changes in the testes of five out of eight rats exposed to e-cigarette smoke. Additionally, 62 percent of the vaping group experienced negative physical impacts on their testicles. Moreover, e-cigarette smoke was associated with decreased libido.
The study emphasized the need to consider the potential harm of e-cigarettes, as they are commonly introduced as a harmless alternative in smoking cessation studies. The researchers suggested that the effect of e-cigarettes on individuals needs to be further examined for a better understanding of their safety.
This Turkish study aligns with previous research conducted in Denmark in 2020, which also found a link between e-cigarette smoking and decreased sperm count. The Danish study, which involved over 2,000 men, reported significantly lower total sperm count in daily e-cigarette users compared to non-users.
Not only does vaping affect male fertility, but it can also have negative consequences for female fertility. A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society in September 2019 examined the impact of e-cigarette smoke on pregnant mice and found a significant delay in the onset of the first litter. The findings suggested caution regarding e-cigarette use by women of reproductive age or during pregnancy.
The harmful effects of vaping extend beyond fertility and pregnancy. Research presented at the 2019 American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference revealed that e-cigarette users have a higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, a study published in the European Heart Journal linked vaping to lung function damage and brain damage.
The concern over e-cigarette use is particularly significant in the United States, where a large number of children regularly use these products. A survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in October 2022 found that 2.55 million middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes within the previous 30 days.
To address this issue, efforts to prevent youth from starting to use any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, are crucial. The CDC’s work aims to not only discourage the use of these products but also assist youth who currently use them in quitting.
Considering the adverse effects of nicotine on brain development, especially in young adults aged 18-24, vaping poses additional risks. A recent CDC study indicated that 11 percent of young adults in this age group are current e-cigarette users. It is important to note that most vapes contain nicotine, even those marketed as zero percent nicotine.
Ultimately, the evidence from various studies suggests that e-cigarettes have significant health consequences. The negative impact on fertility, pregnancy, cardiovascular health, lung function, and brain development underscores the need for more comprehensive research and awareness surrounding the use of e-cigarettes.
