Mechanisms linking obesity to male infertility

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Andrology
• Obesity Medicine

Background:

• Male obesity is a growing global concern, paralleling a decline in semen quality and male fertility.
• Obesity contributes to infertility through various mechanisms including sexual dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disturbances.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for categorizing and treating infertility in obese men.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and pathological mechanisms linking male obesity to infertility.
• To elucidate the multifaceted impact of obesity on male reproductive health.
• To provide a comprehensive overview for better infertility treatment strategies in obese men.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed.
• The search focused on identifying studies detailing the clinical and pathological links between obesity and male infertility.

Main Results:

• Impaired spermatogenesis and sexual dysfunction are key factors contributing to reduced fertility in obese men.
• The review highlights numerous interacting conditions that negatively affect male fertility potential.
• A detailed flowchart illustrating these complex interactions was presented.

Conclusions:

• Hypotestosteronaemia is the primary hormonal defect in obese men, leading to impaired spermatogenesis and reduced fecundability.
• Most fertility-compromising mechanisms associated with obesity in men are reversible.
• Targeted interventions can improve fertility outcomes for overweight men.