Semen evaluation in opium addicts and non addicts: A case-control study

Abstract

Background: Opioids such as opium deteriorate sexual organs activities. The effect of opium on the spermatogenesis of men was assessed in a region where it is abused more than any opioids. Materials and methods: In this case–control study, we studied 224 subjects, divided into 2 groups: 112 opium dependant and 112 non-addicts. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of opium dependency on semen analysis. Results: There were significant differences between two groups in count, motility, morphology, viscosity and liquefaction. Conclusion: These results showed pathological effects of opium on semen analysis. This semen pathology is probably secondary to decreased testosterone production, with relative malfunction of the seminal tracts and the accessory glands.