Can obesity cause fertility problems in men?

A leading IVF specialist of Gunjan IVF World – Best IVF centre explains how obesity has an impact on sperm quality and quantity.

Hello gentlemen. Did you know that an increase in your body weight can have an impact on your fertility? Yes, it’s true. Excess body weight causes hormonal imbalances which lead to disruption of the reproduction potential. In men, it forms a key factor that affects semen parameters like sperm count, motility and morphology leading to fertility issues. IVF specialists at Gunjan IVF World – renowned IVF center in Ghaziabad, aim to build awareness through this informative blog among men on how being overweight might be one of the reasons of their inability to father a child.

“Obesity and its impact on a man’s fertility is one of the least talked about topics. Most men don’t know that their increasing body weight has a direct impact on their fertility. In most fertility cases that we see at Gunjan IVF World, almost 40% are related to male fertility. So, it is extremely crucial that men too know how their weight can impact their ability to become a father,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, IVF Specialist Ghaziabad, Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF clinic.

Increase in body weight among men is often associated with hormonal imbalances like low testosterone levels and abnormalities in sperm count, motility and morphology which cause infertility. Clinical studies show that overweight men are 11% more likely to produce lower sperm and 39% likely to produce no sperm at all. In obese men, the number of low sperm count rose to 42% and over 80% with no sperm at all.

If you and your partner have been trying to become parents for 7-8 months or more and have been unsuccessful, you are advised to meet an IVF specialist. Choose an IVF clinic nearby if you have:

1. Azoospermia (semen does not contain sperm)
2. Oligospermia (low sperm count)
3. Abnormal shape (which affects sperm’s ability to fertilise the egg)
4. Poor motility (sperm’s inability to swim)

The above mentioned could be the result of the following factors:

1. Genetic conditions
2. Abnormal hormonal function
3. Lifestyle factors
4. Unexplained reasons

In obese or overweight men, testosterone – the hormone responsible for spermatogenesis, i.e. production and development of mature sperm gets reduced because of the presence of fat cells. These fat cells cause the formation of estrogen, which leads to the production of leptin that lowers testosterone levels thereby impairing sperm production.

“Changing their lifestyle for the better, including managing their weight, is part of the initial steps that they should take if they are planning to have a baby either now or in the future. Drastic weight loss is not advisable, changes should be gradual. Men can start by being mindful of what they eat and slowly engaging in physical activities such as light exercise. If obese people were to lose 10 % of their current bodyweight, it could improve their fertility level,” state Dr. Gunjan Gupta and her team of specialists comprising Dr Garima, Dr Aastha and Dr Anshu – all renowned IVF doctors.

“Making lifestyle modifications, eating healthy, exercising and cutting down on alcohol and smoking are definitely start points for couples who are planning to have a baby,” adds Dr. Aastha Raheja, IVF Specialist of Best IVF Center – Gunjan IVF World, Indirapuram.

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