THE EFFECT OF ELEVATED BODY MASS INDEX ON SEMEN QUALITY IN MALE PARTNERS OF INFERTILE COUPLES

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major public health challenge worldwide. Recently
there is a rising trend of obese couples presenting in the infertility clinics. There is
an established association between female obesity and infertility but a similar link
is yet to be proven in men. Elevated body mass index (BMI) has been reported to
affect semen quality by different authors. There is however no consensus on the
role of elevated BMI on semen quality as well as the semen parameter it affects.
Hence the need for this study in our environment to determine the effect of
elevated BMI on semen quality in male partners of infertile couples.
Objectives: To determine the proportion of male partners of infertile couples with
elevated BMI with normal and abnormal semen quality as well as the pattern of
semen parameter abnormalities on semen analysis.
Study Design: A prospective cohort study to determine the effect of elevated
BMI on semen quality in male partners of infertile couples.
Method: Two hundred and six consenting men who met the inclusion criteria
were recruited for the study. Selected participants had their weights (kilogram)
and heights (metre) measured. Their body mass indices (kilogram/metre2) were
assessed and grouped into normal weight (18.5-24.9kg/m2) and elevated
BMI (≥ 25kg/m2). Their semen samples were collected by masturbation after a
recommended 3-5 days of abstinence and semen analysis done to assess the
semen quality. Semen quality was assessed based on sperm count, percentage
motility and morphology. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS
statistical software version 20. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi
square test. Relative risks and confidence interval were employed as
appropriate. Statistical significance was set as P <0.05.
RESULTS: Male participants with normal BMI were one hundred and ten
(53.4%) while those with elevated BMI were ninety-six (46.6%). Of the ninety-six
male participants with elevated BMI, fifty-two (25.2%) were overweight and forty
four (21.4%) were obese. There was no statistically significant difference in the
semen quality as well as the pattern of semen parameter abnormalities between
males with normal and elevated BMI (overweight or obese).
CONCLUSION: Elevated body mass index does not appear to affect semen
quality.

THE EFFECT OF ELEVATED BODY MASS INDEX ON SEMEN QUALITY IN MALE PARTNERS OF INFERTILE COUPLES