Role of Obesity in Male Infertility
Obesity is linked to Infertility in both Men and Women. Obese men are likely to report lower sperm counts as well as increased chances of Erectile Dysfunction when compared to men whose BMI or Body Mass Index is within limits. However, obese men can seek help for infertility and with the right kind of advice and guidance; they can adopt a balanced diet with a good fitness regimen and a moderated lifestyle so that they need not miss out on the pleasures of parenthood and the joys of a fulfilling life. Both academic literature as well as popular depictions of obese men being infertile indicates that Obesity has a major role in causing infertility among men. For instance, recent research states that those men with a BMI over 30 who are considered obese are at a higher risk of being infertile than men with lower BMI’s. BMI or Body Mass Index is a measure of the relative body weights and the heights of individuals. A BMI between 18 and 25 is considered healthy whereas a BMI over 25 indicates that the individual is overweight. Linking BMI and Obesity, studies have shown that men whose BMI is greater than 25 report sperm counts less than those who have lower BMI. On the extreme end, men with BMI over 30 are considered high risk both from the point of view of health as well as from a purely fertility perspective. Indeed, there is enough evidence to show that obese men are predisposed to report sperm counts significantly lesser than healthy men to the extent that reduction of weight even by a few Kilograms pushes up the sperm counts by 5% or more. Thus, it can be said that there is a clear causal link between Obesity and Male Infertility.
Among the probable reasons why obese men are likely to be infertile is that they have greater levels of Estrogen which can decrease sperm counts significantly. Apart from that, their body temperatures are higher which as previously explained in an earlier blog causes their Testicles to be exposed to higher temperatures causing more stress and strain on them and thereby impairing their ability to produce semen in the desired quantities. In addition, obese men are known to suffer from Erectile Dysfunction which is also depicted (sometimes crudely) in movies and media that are considered “Yellow Journalism”. Without going into stereotypical depictions, it is clear that Obese men who shed Kilos through Exercise and Healthy Diets are more likely to report greater chances of conceiving with their partners than men who being Obese are likely to be hit with lower sperm counts and impaired ability to conceive.
On the other hand, it is also the case that Underweight men are also likely to be Infertile and have problems in conception. Indeed, studies have shown that men with BMI’s lower than 18.5 are at risk as far as fertility is concerned. Thus, it is clear that Body Weight does play a role in fertility and while not everyone can aspire to be 100% fit, at least some exercise coupled with healthy diet and planned lifestyle can help in such men becoming fertile. Indeed, even to lead an active sex life, experts recommend these measures as a way of ensuring that men do not lose their inclination to lead a fulfilling life and considering the fact that a healthy body and an healthy mind are prerequisites for a happy life, we recommend Men to adopt a balanced diet and a regular fitness regimen along with a moderated lifestyle so that they do not miss out on the chance to be fertile and miss out on the pleasures associated with progeny.
At Andrology Center, our experts and staff would guide you through the process of seeking help for your Obesity and help you in choosing the right mix of dietary and lifestyle changes. To conclude, being Obese does not mean that you cannot conceive and hence, with the right kind of medical help, you can be a proud father.
