Male obesity and alteration in sperm parameters.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of male obesity on sperm parameters and erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis.

METHODS

Referral fertility center.

METHODS

Couples presenting for infertility treatment.

METHODS

On presentation, all men reported their weight and height and filled out an intake form that includes questions regarding factors that affect male infertility, including presence of erectile dysfunction. Body mass index (BMI) was divided into three groups: normal (BMI <25 kg/m(2)), overweight (25 kg/m(2) or=30 kg/m(2)). Sperm parameters reviewed included sperm concentration and progressively motile sperm count.

METHODS

Oligozoospermia, low progressively motile sperm count, and self-reported erectile dysfunction.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study population was 32.8 +/- 0.3 years. Among the 526 patients, 10.2% (54 of 526) were excluded because of the presence of a male factor known to affect fertility. The incidence of oligozoospermia increased with increasing BMI: normal weight = 5.32%, overweight = 9.52%, and obese = 15.62%. The prevalence of a low progressively motile sperm count was also greater with increasing BMI: normal weight = 4.52%, overweight = 8.93%, and obese = 13.28%. The incidence of erectile dysfunction did not vary across BMI categories when corrected for potential contributing factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Male obesity is associated with increased incidence of low sperm concentration and low progressively motile sperm count.