Association of Body Mass Index with Semen Quality and Sexual Hormone Levels among Men in Intrauterine Insemination

Abstract

Background: The available evidence on the role of obesity and BMI on male infertility has been controversial or inconclusive to some extent. Objectives: To investigate the role of BMI on semen quality and hormone levels in men received intrauterine insemination. Material and Methods: A total of 390 males seeking artificial insemination in our department were recruited. BMI, blood pressure and semen parameters were assessed. Morning blood sample was taken for serum levels of testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (E₂). Results: Subjects were divided into four groups according to BMI. There was no significant difference among groups in any of semen parameters and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL and E₂. Obese and overweight men were found having lower serum levels of T and higher levels of E₂/T ratio than those of normal and underweight men. BMI was not found to be associated with semen parameters. Conclusion: This study has not found evidence of an association between BMI and semen parameters, but obesity has a negative effect on serum testosterone levels.