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Association between seminal and serum iron parameters and male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Yannan Jiao1,2, Yanlun Song1,2, Jin Zhang1,2

  • 1Reproductive Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China.

The Aging Male : the Official Journal of the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male
|August 20, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated iron levels in semen and serum are linked to male infertility. This meta-analysis found higher iron concentrations in infertile men, suggesting a potential risk factor for impaired fertility.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Trace Element Metabolism
  • Male Infertility Research

Background:

  • Iron is vital for sperm production, but excess iron can harm male fertility.
  • Previous research suggests a connection between high iron levels and infertility, but data is limited.
  • A systematic quantitative synthesis is needed to confirm this association.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the relationship between iron concentrations and male infertility.
  • To quantitatively synthesize existing evidence on iron levels in infertile males.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed, CBM, CNKI, and Cochrane Library databases.
  • Meta-analysis using random-effects models with RevMan, Stata, and R software.
  • Evaluation of seminal and serum iron levels using forest and funnel plots.

Main Results:

  • Ten studies with 985 participants were included.
  • Infertile males exhibited significantly higher seminal iron levels (SMD = 0.44, P < 0.05).
  • Elevated serum iron levels were also observed in infertile men (SMD = 3.77, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Increased seminal and serum iron concentrations are potentially correlated with male infertility risk.
  • This meta-analysis provides quantitative evidence supporting the link between iron overload and male infertility.
Keywords:
Male infertilityelevated iron concentrationsseminal ironserum ironsystematic review

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