Overweight and seminal quality: a study of 794 patients

Objectives: To 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). Design: Blind prospective study. Setting: Andrology 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). (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:1739-43. (C)2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)