Association between sperm parameters and recurrent pregnancy loss in infertile couples: a cross-sectional study

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is known as a significant reproductive issue globally, which affects almost 5% of couples. Various factors contribute to the incidence of RPL. Considering the crucial role of male factors in the incidence of RPL, this study investigates the relationship between sperm parameters and RPL.

This cross-sectional study was performed on 253 infertile couples who were eligible to participate and referred to the infertility center of BentolHoda Hospital from February 2022 to March 2023. The information was collected through demographic, medical, and infertility assessments, as well as laboratory examinations. Participants were categorized into two groups: couples experiencing RPL and couples facing primary or secondary infertility, which served as controls. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, the chi-square test, and logistic regression. Variations in different sperm parameters, as well as other demographic factors, were investigated between the two groups.

According to the findings, 32.4% of infertile couples had a history of RPL. The Chi-Square test results demonstrated a statistically significant association between motility and viscosity in couples with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss (p < 0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the variables age (B = 0.103), drug therapy for infertility (B = -2.826), sperm viscosity (B = -1.440), and sperm motility (B = 1.113) could significantly relate to the PRL.

The findings of this study suggest that low sperm motility, female age, and high sperm viscosity are factors that influence the occurrence of RPL.