Body mass index and central adiposity are associated with sperm quality in men of subfertile couples.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of overweight and obesity in men of reproductive ages is rising, which may affect fertility. Therefore, this study aims to assess the associations between BMI, central adiposity and sperm parameters in men of subfertile couples.


METHODS
Ejaculate volume (ml), sperm concentration (millions per ml), percentage of progressive motile and immotile spermatozoa and total motile sperm count (millions) were measured in 450 men of subfertile couples visiting a tertiary outpatient clinic for reproductive treatment and preconception counseling.


RESULTS
Overweight was negatively associated with the percentage of progressive motility type A [β -0.32 (SE 0.2), P=0.036] and positively associated with the percentage of immotility type C [β 0.21 (SE 0.07), P=0.002]. Obesity was negatively associated with ejaculate volume [β-0.23 (SE 0.1), P=0.02], sperm concentration [β -0.77 (SE 0.3), P=0.006] and total motile sperm count [β -0.91 (SE 0.3), P=0.007]. Waist circumference≥102 cm, a measure for central adiposity, was inversely associated with sperm concentration [β -0.69 (SE 0.2), P=0.001] and total motile sperm count [β-0.62 (SE 0.3), P=0.02]. All associations remained significant after adjustment for age, ethnicity, active and passive smoking, alcohol and medication use and folate status.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that in particular, sperm concentration and total motile sperm count in men of subfertile couples are detrimentally affected by a high BMI and central adiposity. The effect of weight loss on sperm quality and fertility needs further investigation.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Fatima
F
Hammiche
Joop S E
JS
Laven
John M
JM
Twigt
Willem P A
WP
Boellaard
Eric A P
EA
Steegers
Régine P
RP
Steegers-Theunissen
D000273:Adipose Tissue; D050154:Adiposity; D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D050177:Overweight; D012044:Regression Analysis; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000473:pathology*; D055105:Waist Circumference