Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice
Published on: November 18, 2017
Male obesity and semen quality: Any association?
Obose Rufus1, Osaikhuwuomwan James1, Aziken Michael1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin-City, Nigeria.
Background:
Infertility as well as obesity are risng global concern. Whilst there is an established association between female obesity and infertility, a similar link is yet to be proven in men.
Objective:
To determine the effects of elevated body mass index (BMI) on semen quality among male partners of infertile couples attending an infertility clinic.
Materials And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 206 men who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Selected participants were grouped according to their BMI (kg/m2): normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and elevated BMI (≥25 kg/m2). The effect of weight on semen quality was assessed based on sperm count, percentage motility, and morphology.
Results:
The number of participants with normal BMI was 110 (53.4%) while those with elevated BMI were 96 (46.6%). Of the participants in elevated BMI group, 52 (25.2%) were overweight and 44 (21.4%) were obese. There was no statistically significant difference in the semen quality as well as the pattern of semen parameter abnormalities between males with normal and elevated BMI (overweight or obese) (p=0.813).
Conclusion:
Elevated BMI did not significantly influence semen quality.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Infertility in Males
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Associative Learning
Classical conditioning, also known...
The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size....

