Obesity and male infertility

Devini Ameratunga; Alpha Gebeh; Akwasi Amoako

doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102393

Obesity and male infertility

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2023 Aug:90:102393. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102393. Epub 2023 Aug 4.

Authors

Devini Ameratunga¹, Alpha Gebeh², Akwasi Amoako³

Affiliations

¹ Mayne Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Fertility Group (QFG), Brisbane, Australia.
² Department of Maternity and Gynecology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
³ Mayne Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: a.amoako@uq.edu.au.

PMID: 37572397
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102393

Abstract

The worldwide prevalence of obesity is increasing among both sexes, with associated impacts on chronic health and medical comorbidities. Similarly, the effects of obesity on reproductive health are increasingly being recognized. Adiposity is associated with reduced fertility in men, with a complex and multifactorial etiology. The reported effects of obesity on semen parameters and impaired fertility are contrasting, with some studies showing a clear reduction in reproductive outcomes associated with increased body mass index, while others do not show such impacts. These controversies may be due to the complex pathophysiology and interplay between gonadotropins and end organs, as well as genetic and epigenetic changes and oxidative stress on male fertility and function. These different aspects have led to heterogeneous participants in studies and varying implications for assisted reproductive outcomes as well as offspring health. Treatment modalities to manage obesity include lifestyle, medical, and surgical options, with emerging and effective medical treatments showing promise in reproductive outcomes.

Keywords: BMI; Bariatric surgery; Epigenetics; Male infertility; Obesity; Sperm parameters.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Female
Fertility
Humans
Infertility, Male* / epidemiology
Infertility, Male* / etiology
Infertility, Male* / therapy
Male
Obesity* / complications
Obesity* / epidemiology
Obesity* / therapy
Semen
Semen Analysis