This study aimed to determine the relationship between scrotal temperature (ST) and body mass index (BMI). Data were collected from 471 male partners in subfertile couples who visited a Korean medical infertility center between March 2013 and November 2014. Participants were classified into three groups according to their BMI (<25.0, 25.0-29.9, and >30kg/m(2)). Scrotal temperature index (STI)(°C) was defined as the mean left and right skin temperature difference (ΔT) between the thigh and testicle. Mean STI and standard deviation (mean±SD) of the underweight and normal, overweight, and obese groups were -1.50±0.95, -1.08±0.83, and -0.57±0.93°C, respectively. The obese and overweight groups had higher STI than the underweight and normal groups (p<0.001). Increased BMI is associated with higher ST. To examine this causal relationship, further assessment of the role of weight loss or gain on scrotal temperature is warranted.
Keywords: Body mass index; Obesity; Overweight; Scrotal temperature; Thermography.
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