Obesity, spermatogenesis, and male infertility

Abstract

Obesity is one of the major global health problems concerning people from almost all age groups. Obesity has profound adverse effects on the reproductive health and may lead to metabolic disturbances and syndromes. Obese couples have less fertility potential and often opt for assisted reproductive technologies for conception. It has been observed that obese men have an altered adipokine profile, increased serum estrogen levels, and poor sperm quality. These alterations correlate with impaired spermatogenesis and may subsequently lead to subfertility or infertility. The increasing incidence of obesity calls for molecular, genetic, and epigenetic research to elucidate the underlying risk factors for loss of fertility. This chapter focuses on the factors responsible for obesity and provides an account of its effects on spermatogenesis and fertility in males. Finally, potential reversibility measures and management options for obesity-associated infertility have been discussed.