It has long been known that for men, being overweight, or obese, is associated with lower fertility and poor sperm quality. We know that excess body fat causes inflammation in the body, but it is also known to cause the following:
- Hormones Problems
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Sperm Quality Issues
- Heart Disease
- Sleep Apnoea
- Lower Testosterone
- Other Health issues.
It is now known that carrying an extra 10 kilos can reduce male fertility by between 10-50%. This is exactly why all men need to take their health, their body fat and their weight more seriously when trying to conceive.
A review of studies about the effects of paternal obesity on reproductive outcomes found that overweight, or obese men were more likely to experience fertility issues and less likely to have a live birth if they and their partner used assisted reproduction technology (ART) – (IVF, ICSI, IUI etc).
The reason being is because the extra body fats are known to be estrogenic (known as obestrogens) which not only reduce sperm quality, but also changes the DNA, the physical shape and molecular structure of sperm cells.
This is why all men need to look at preconception care and lifestyle changes for trying to have a baby, but also their future health and their future offsprings long term health as well.
Take care
Regards
Dr Andrew Orr
-No Stone Left Unturned
-Master of Reproductive Medicine and Women’s Health Medicines
-Women’s and Men’s Health Advocate