Alcohol's effects on male reproduction

The male reproductive system consists of the hypothalamus, the anterior pit uitary gland, and the testes. Alcohol can interfere with the function of ea ch of these components, thereby causing impotence, infertility, and reduced male secondary sexual characteristics. In the testes, alcohol can adversel y affect the Leydig cells, which produce and secrete the hormone testostero ne. Studies found that heavy alcohol consumption results in reduced testost erone levels in the blood. Alcohol also impairs the function of the testicu lar Sertoli cells that play an important role in sperm maturation. In the p ituitary gland, alcohol can decrease the production, release, and/or activi ty of two hormones with critical reproductive functions, luteinizing hormon e and follicle-stimulating hormone, Finally, alcohol can interfere with hor mone production in the hypothalamus.