Long-term effect of exposure to mustard gas on male infertility

Background: Sulfur mustard is a noxious chemical and a carcinogen that causes acute and chronic injuries with both local and systemic effects. This study was conducted to investigate the long-term effect of sulfur mustard (mustard gas) on male infertility in couples, in whom the husbands were highly suspected of being exposed to mustard gas. Methods: A total of 91 couples, in whom men, highly suspicious of being exposed to mustard gas during the Iran-Iraq war, were fully examined by an urologist and a gynecologist, and urged to provide semen for three standard sperm analyses. Results: Of 91 couples, 40 were infertile 10 years after given that the frequency is approximately 10-12% in normal population. In addition, thorough examination of the wives by a Gynecologist showed that of the foregoing 40 infertile couples, 8 (20%) of women suffered from infertility problems. The infertility of the remaining 32 (80%) was due to male factors as compared with 40-50% in the normal population. The results of the present research demonstrated that in the population under study, male factors had greater impact on infertility. Conclusion: The exposure of males to mustard gas played a distinct role in long term infertility.