Male Obesity and Infertility

It is well documented in the literature that female obesity is associated with infertility. We have posted several blogs on how female obesity is linked to hormonal imbalances that cause irregular or absent menses, lower pregnancy rates with IVF, lower implantation rates even with donor eggs, and pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

But what about the male partner? Is there any relationship between male obesity and infertility? This very issue was addressed by a group of researchers from three large academic centers: the University of Toronto; Northwestern University, Chicago (including our very own Dr. Robert Brannigan); and the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Testing for a Link Between Male Obesity and Infertility

The researchers analyzed data from more than 4000 patients over a greater than 10-year period. They measured BMI, semen analysis parameters, and hormone levels in these patients. 30.9% of the patients were normal weight (BMI 18.5 – 24.9), 45.1% overweight (BMI 25 – 29.9), and 23.3% obese (BMI greater than 30).

Men with increased BMI had lower testosterone levels and higher estradiol levels. The results from the semen analysis data showed that men with high BMI had lower semen volume, lower sperm counts, motility and poorer morphology (shape of sperm). The rates of azoospermia (no sperm present) and oligospermia (low sperm count) were also found more frequently among obese (12.7% and 31.7%, respectively) compared to normal weight men (9.8% and 24.5%, p<.001).

Obesity Impacts Sperm Quality

They concluded that all semen parameters were lower with increasing BMI. Reproductive hormones are also altered especially testosterone (T), estradiol (E) and the T/E ratio. This may contribute to the subfertility in this population.

Lose Weight to Get Pregnant

Weight loss may be an essential part of infertility treatment for men as well as women. We recommend the Ideal Protein Diet for our patients who are overweight or obese. To see a fertility specialist who will help you on your weight loss and fertility journey, make an appointment at one of InVia’s four Chicago area fertility clinics.