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= BMI < 30 kg/m(2)), and obese (BMI >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.
Hammoud
Ahmad O
AO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Utah, School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA. ahmad.hammoud@hsc.utah.edu
Wilde
Nicole
N
Gibson
Mark
M
Parks
Anna
A
Carrell
Douglas T
DT
Meikle
A Wayne
AW
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009845:Oligospermia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000473:pathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires