IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICT IN UKRAINE ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION DURING MARTIAL LAW

Authors:

Abstract:

Given that debates persist within the scientific community regarding the magnitude of the impact of stressors on infertility, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of psycho-emotional state under conditions of military aggression on male reproductive function parameters. A retrospective analysis of semen parameters and psycho-emotional status was conducted in 895 clinically healthy men aged 21–42 years over the 2016–2025 period. Anxiety and depression were evaluated using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales, respectively. Semen analysis was performed in strict accordance with WHO recommendations. Beginning in 2022, a statistically significant increase in anxiety levels and the emergence of mild depressive symptoms were observed among the evaluated men. Concurrently, a marked decline was noted in sperm concentration, motility, and the percentage of morphologically normal forms, alongside an accumulation of abnormal and immotile spermatozoa. Over the 2023–2025 period, key semen parameters deviated beyond the acceptable reference intervals. Prolonged psycho-emotional stress under war conditions is strongly associated with the deterioration of semen quality and reduced male fertility. These findings underscore the critical need for further investigation and the development of targeted interventions aimed at preserving male reproductive health.

Keywords:

stress fertility reproduction endocrine disorders demographic situation

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Publication:

«World of Medicine and Biology» Vol. 22 No. 96 (2026) , с. 51-56
УДК 616.697/.699-074(477)"364"

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26724/2079-8334-2026-2-96-51-56