Does Obesity Negatively Impact Semen Quality? A Cross-Sectional study in population of Rahim Yar Khan

Obesity and Semen Quality

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity has been much increased over last few years among males of reproductive age which is consistent with increase in male infertility. Obesity has been found to have detrimental effects on sperm parameters by affecting the sperm DNA. Objective: To determine the correlation of high BMI (Body mass index) kg/m² with semen parameters among infertile males. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional. Setting: Urology department, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar khan. Duration: From February 2022 to January 2024. Methods: Study conducted after ethical clearance from institutional review board. Males aged between 20 to 45 years visiting outdoor clinic for workup of infertility with BMI ≥25kg/m² were included. Males with BMI <25kg/m², seropositive for HIV, with history of chronic medical conditions like uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, on medications like steroids or immunosuppressants that may affect spermatogenesis or cause erectile dysfunction, having history of genital infections, previously undergone groin or scrotal surgery, or had refused to give consent were all excluded. Semen reference limits has been used provided by WHO. Data entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. P value<0.05 deemed as significant. Results: Of the total 147 study subjects, mean age was 31.25±8.234years. Statistically significant (P value: 0.004) negative correlation(r=-0.801) of sperm concentration (millions/ml) has been found with respect to BMI (kg/m²). Low sperm concentration <15millions/ml has been found in 31(21.08%) study subjects with BMI ≤30 kg/m² and in 61(41.49%) study subjects with BMI >30kg/m². While 42(28.57%) were having sperm concentration >15millions/ml in subgroup BMI ≤30kg/m2 and 13(8.84%) subjects with high BMI >30kg/m2 were having sperm concentration >15millions/ml. Conclusion: On the basis of our study, it has been concluded that high BMI negatively correlate with sperm concentration. No correlation has been found between high BMI and other semen parameters such as total sperm number, morphology, motility and vitality.