Overweight and seminal quality: a study of 794 patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate sperm quality, levels of markers of epididymal and accessory gland function, and T in semen from men grouped according to their body mass index (BMI).DesignBlind prospective study.SettingAndrology and reproduction laboratory in Cordoba, Argentina (2006–2007).Patient(s)Seven hundred ninety-four men.Intervention(s)None.Main Outcome Measure(s)In semen samples, sperm quality (volume, density, motility, morphology, viability, hypoosmotic swell test, and nuclear maturity) and levels of neutral alpha-glucosidase, fructose, citric acid and T.Result(s)Multivariate analysis showed a negative association between BMI and motility, rapid motility and neutral alpha-glucosidase levels, and a positive association between BMI and seminal fructose levels. No associations were found among BMI and sperm concentration, the other parameters evaluated, or seminal T levels.Conclusion(s)Results found in our study support a deleterious effect of obesity on seminal quality, probably by alterations in the function of the epididymis (i.e., in epididymal maturation).